PORTLAND, Maine—The Coast Guard says the Portland Fire Department should have reported an accident that damaged a city fireboat.
The vessel, named the City of Portland IV, struck an unidentified underwater object during what was described as a navigational training run just north of Fort Gorges on Saturday. No one was hurt, but the impact damaged a propeller and a rudder and sheared off a shaft.
Coast Guard officials tell the Portland Press Herald (http://bit.ly/nBZ4b4) the accident should have immediately been reported verbally, with a written report to follow within five days.
Fire Chief Fred LaMontagne said he didn't believe the mishap was serious enough to require reporting.
The Coast Guard says it's unlikely the city will be fined for the failure to report the accident.
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Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://www.pressherald.com
