POCOMOKE CITY, MD - The City of Pocomoke says a fuel leak from a docked vessel prompted emergency teams and a hazmat team to be dispatched to the Pocomoke River on Tuesday night.
The City of Pocomoke says emergency crews responded to the Pocomoke River on Tuesday night after a concerned citizen called 911 for a strong fuel odor coming from a boat docked in the water. According to the city, the boat had been in the river since 2019. A hazmat team was also dispatched to the location to assess and contain the situation.
Pocomoke City Mayor Todd Nock responded to the situation, saying that "the smell of the fuel was extremely strong, confirming the seriousness of the leak."
According to city officials, responders identified that the boat was actively leaking fuel into the river. To help prevent any further spread of the fuel, "containment booms" were placed around the vessel.
The owner of the boat was contacted. The city says they are currently out of the country, and they are coordinating with them regarding responsibility for the incident.
The Worcester County Fire Marshal is expected to return to the location on Wednesday to re-inspect the scene and monitor the clean-up in the river.