Coast Guard Station Point Judith Loses Power During An Electrical Surge, Remains Fully Operational

BOSTON – Rescue crews at Coast Guard Station Point Judith, R.I., remain on duty despite losing all electrical power at the main station building and the lighthouse.

During adverse weather conditions Thursday, falling power lines caused a power surge inside the station’s main building resulting in the loss of electrical power.

There were no injuries.

The lighthouse is currently extinguished, but it is not expected to cause a hazard to navigation. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England are broadcasting a notice to mariners about the light.

All station crewmembers on duty have been relocated to the boathouse approximately three miles away, which was unaffected by the surge.

The full extent of the power surge is unknown and the Coast Guard is working to restore power to the building and return to normal operations as soon as possible.

All phone lines are automatically forwarded to the new location, and Coast Guard Sector Southeastern in Woods Hole, Mass., is monitoring and assuming the station's radio communications.

"We are fortunate that the boathouse is located away from the main station," said Senior Chief Petty Officer Eric Baruzzi, Officer in Charge, Station Point Judith. "We want the public to know that we are still operational and ready to respond."