Coast Guard, local crews respond to adrift tugs in Mount Hope Bay

BOSTON — The Coast Guard and local agencies responded late Tuesday to two tug vessels  adrift near Fairhaven.  Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England in Woods Hole were notified by a good Samaritan at 9:07 p.m. that the tugs Puma and David McAllister were unmanned and adrift in Mount Hope Bay, less than a mile from the Braga Bridge. A 45 foot Response Boat Medium from Coast Guard Station Castle Hill launched as well marine units from the Portsmouth Fire Department and the Bristol Harbormaster.   They were quickly on scene and awaited a crew from McAllister Towing, who was able to regain control of the tugs and safely moor them at the pier.  "The coordinated effort ensured neither of the 100-foot tugs caused any injuries, damage, or navigational hazards", said Petty Officer 2nd Class Janayla Mattern, an operations specialist at the Sector Southeastern New England command center.  The cause of the incident is under investigation. For more information, contact Sector Southeastern New England's Public Affairs Officer at (508) 457-3264.