Ship returns to Mobile after onboard fire leaves it stranded in the Gulf of Mexico
UPDATE (4:25 p.m.):
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — A United States Naval Logistics Vessel docked at the Alabama Shipyard in Mobile after an onboard fire left it stranded 24 miles off the coast of Dauphin Island.
Four tugboats guided the USNS Sgt. William R. Button, a 673.2-foot long and 32-meter wide ship, through the Mobile Bay.
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This ship departed from Mobile at around 9:45 a.m. on Thursday. Nearly four hours later, at 1:30 p.m., the fire started in the engine room. The civilian crew of 53 were able to put out the fire. The Coast Guard stayed nearby in case assistance was needed.
The ship was expected to make it back to Mobile at around 6 a.m. Friday but docked at around 12:45 p.m.
The ship is part of the Military Sealift Command. The Navy uses this ship and others like it to pre-position cargo to support other military ships.
It is unknown what the ship was carrying at the time.
ORIGINAL STORY
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — A cargo ship that caught fire off the coast of Dauphin Island Thursday is being towed into the Port of Mobile.
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Fifty-three people were on board the USNS Sergeant William R. Button when a fire broke out in the engine room around 1:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon, News 5 has learned.
The ship was 24 miles south of Dauphin Island.
The crew is safe and remained on board the ship Thursday night.
Tow boats were sent to the ship Thursday to bring it into the port.
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This is a developing story. News 5 will update this article as more information becomes available.
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