The Mattapoisett Harbormaster Department. has found itself in a precarious situation. Without a boat for some time, there appears no option but to appeal to the public for a loaner, and hope there are no emergencies in the interim.

Mattapoisett Harbormaster Jill Simmons said the town's Harbormaster boat, a 13-year-old 25-foot Sea-Hawk, was damaged by some coastal storms over the winter and has been in a boatyard repair dock for several months. The town's insurance underwriter has approved the claim and work can begin, but there is a backlog at the boat repair shop, and the town is not at the top of the list, Simmons said.

In the meantime, Simmons approached Mattapoisett Fire Rescue for temporary use of its boat. But as bad luck would have it, the fire rescue boat's motor caught fire July 19, while on a training exercise in the harbor. That boat is not available to either department while its undergoes repair to the motor.

There have been no major incidents on the water over the weekend, one of the busiest for Mattapoisett Harbor as the town experiences a huge population surge, partly because of Harbor Days, long considered a community reunion.

Simmons said that, if there were an emergency in Mattapoisett Harbor while her department is without water transportation, she can call on the Coast Guard, or the Marion, Fairhaven, and New Bedford harbormasters for assistance.

Still, with options running short, Simmons is making a general appeal to the public for a loaner boat while repairs to the Harbormaster boat are made. She asks that people visit her in the Harbormaster's Office on Town Wharf or call her at 508-758-4191.