PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Portland officials say two firefighters have been suspended without pay for their role in causing $38,000 in damages to the city’s fireboat.

Fire Chief Frederick LaMontagne said Friday that Capt. Christopher Goodall and firefighter Joseph Murphy failed to follow common practices and Coast Guard navigation rules when the City of Portland IV hit an underwater object in Portland Harbor during a training exercise on Oct. 15. No one was hurt, but the impact damaged a propeller, rudder and shaft.

The chief said there were 12 civilians on the boat at the time of the accident. Having civilian passengers on the boat is permitted under certain circumstances, but LaMontagne said he has ordered a review of current policies.

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Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://www.pressherald.com

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.

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