I heard on the NEWS that the brand new Newport News Fireboat, in service as of yesterday, sunk while tired to dock last night. There even was a photo of the boat sticking out of the water on TV. Any news as to what happened? Did they tie it to dock, and as tide rose, did boat slide under dock and was pulled under? This is exactly what happened to a USCG 40' Patrol Boat in Glouchester Massachusetts back in 1973.

From a quick Google search, no cause listed though

Crews spent part of the day trying to raise Newport News' brand new, $385,000 fire boat that went partially underwater while docked Wednesday morning. The boat has since been towed to the repair yard, and will be shipped back to the manufacturer in Canada.



Doug Sesny, 13News

The city's new fireboat was taking on water Wednesday morning.

Fire department spokeswoman Dana Perry told WVEC.com that the back end was water logged but that the front bilge pumps were working, keeping it afloat.

A Marine Incident Response Team was pumping water out of the boat, which has been at Leeward Municipal Marina on River Road for several weeks.

After that, lifts will be put underneath the boat to raise it out of water. Then, investigators can get onboard to see what caused the problem.

Perry added that the city hasn't taken ownership of the boat yet and that it still belongs to the manufacturer, MetalCraft Marine of Ontario, Canada.

She said it's the same company that made fire boats for the Portsmouth and Alexandria fire departments.

The city has two other fireboats, but they're not as state-of-the art as this new one, she added.

Location: Los Angeles, CA

I heard that when they complained to the canadian builders, they said,
"We were not told that the boat would be used in or near any water"

Location: London UK

Newport News is home, and yes, the blasted thing sank. But it was doing just what it was supposed to do . . . living up to its namesake. The boat was christened the "Carl Brashear", for the first black Master Diver in the US Navy (played by Cuba Gooding in the movie "Men of Honor"). So.o.o.o, it was just going for a dive, trying to qualify for Master Diver.

Seriously . . . they've raised it, and have not been able to find any leaks or anything wrong. They have not ruled out "foul play". In any event, we have reps from Metalcraft Marine (the builder) of Kingston, Ontario on scene to help in the investigation. One good thing . . . the city had not yet accepted the boat, so it still belongs to the manufacturer, who is insured for it.

Here's a link to Metalcraft Marine's comments, along with some shots of their boats in action:

http://www.metalcraftmarine.com/html/news.html

Location: Newport News, VA

At least taxpayers and FD isn't stuck. Maybe they should call Guiness Book of Records.

"Worlds First Submarine Fire Boat"