Fire Breaks Out On Tugboat

A fire broke out in the engine room of a tugboat off of Patreksfjörður, reports RÚV.

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The Coast Guard helicopter and firefighters from the Metropolitan Fire Service were called out to the scene. The fire was extinguished a half-hour after the call was received.

A rescue boat from Landsbjörg will escort the tugboat back to the harbour. Ten people were on board the tugboat when the fire broke out.

Tugboats are a crucial part of sea vessel traffic to and from Iceland. Even in ports of call with especially deep harbours, such as Grundarfjörður or Reykjavík, they serve a vital function in keeping the coming and going of ships running smoothly.

To learn more about what the job is like for those who operate tugboats, check out our interview with tugboat captain Júlíus Guðnason here.