Coast Guard Cutter Runs Aground

The Coast Guard Cutter Chinook, an 87-ft. patrol boat homeported in New London, Ct., ran aground after it broke free from a mooring line at about 8:30 this morning. The cutter was on a routine patrol in the vicinity of Coddington Cove, R.I., and had been moored up for the evening. There are 10 crewmembers on board and no one is injured. Two 41-ft. rescue boats from Coast Guard Station Castle Hill in Newport, R.I., are currently on scene to prevent or minimize any environmental damage and to help determine the best method to re-float the Chinook. The cause of the grounding is under investigation.