A diesel fuel spill caused by a vessel collision offshore that injured two people has prompted officials to issue an urgent water advisory for parts of the Kennebunkport and Kennebunk shoreline. The advisory, issued by the Kennebunk Fire Department, warns the public to avoid swimming or entering the water near Government Wharf in Kennebunkport and Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk. Officials stated that diesel exposure can cause skin and eye irritation, as well as lead to breathing problems. The alert remains in effect until 8 a.m. Friday. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is working to address the diesel fuel leak, according to the fire department.
Around 4:44 p.m., the schooner “Eleanor” issued a mayday after being struck by the fishing vessel “The Flying Dutchman” roughly a mile off the Kennebunk Jetty. The schooner sustained significant hull damage and began taking on water, Kennebunk Fire Rescue said in a news release. Kennebunk Fire Chief Justin Cooper, who was nearby aboard his charter boat “FV Off Duty,” responded immediately along with another vessel. The schooner’s crew had placed passengers in life jackets and treated one injured passenger, who was ultimately brought to Government Wharf in Kennebunkport with her husband. The schooner was escorted to shore by a responding vessel and the Kennebunk/Kennebunkport Harbormaster. Both vessels’ occupants were accounted for, and the schoonerโs crew was able to stop it from taking on water further. Officials said one person from each vessel was taken to MaineHealth’s Biddeford campus with minor injuries. The Maine Marine Patrol and U.S. Coast Guard are investigating the cause of the collision.
