August 29, 2011 (NEW BEDFORD) Hundreds of fishing boats and other vessels rode out Irene in New Bedford Harbor.           

The Steamship Authority and Hy-line both sent several of their boats behind the hurricane barrier.           

Large styrofoam bumpers are being used to separate the ships and prevent them damaging each other if tossed around.           

The city closed its hurricane gate at 5 a.m. Sunday and later closed a second gate on the south end of the city.