NJ Crews Battle Fire Aboard 'Andrea Gail' Stand-In

Multiple fire departments in southern New Jersey on the Delaware Bay responded to a fire that broke out aboard a fishing vessel that served as a stand-in for a Hollywood blockbuster depicting one of the most famous maritime tragedies in recent history.

Crews in Cumberland County responded on Sept. 28 to a reported fire aboard the vessel that stood in for the Andrea Gail in the 2000 hit film "The Perfect Storm" starring George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg. The Andrea Gail and its crew vanished off the New England coast during a massive storm in October 1991.

The 125-foot ship, which carries the actual name The Lauren, caught fire while dry-docked at a large ship repair business in Maurice River Township as it was being fitted with updated gear in preparation for its new career as a scallop and clam vessel.

Departments from Leesburg, Heiselville and Millville were first on the scene. Upon arrival, Leesburg Fire Chief Bud Hughes saw heavy smoke showing and upgraded the call to a second alarm, which brought multiple water tenders and additional manpower for what was expected to be an extensive operation.

First-arriving crews stretched two lines 400 feet on each side of the boat. The lines were 2½” but converted to 1¾” for better maneuverability up tight stairwells and to the top of the ship's platforms.

Technical rescue teams from Cumberland and Cape May counties were requested as the area inside the vessel was considered confined space. Marine 39 from the Downe Township Fire Department and a boat from the Little Creek Fire Company of Delaware stood by in the surrounding waters in the event anyone fell overboard. Neighboring North Star Marine supplied a tugboat with firefighting capabilities that assisted in knocking down the fire.

Firefighters kept the flames confined to the crew’s berths and the pilot house, but extensive overhaul was needed with the steel hull of the vessel growing so heated that paint was blistering off of its surfaces. Holes were cut into the deck to check for any extensions.

- Information and photos courtesy of Leesburg Fire Chief Bud Hughes