12 Crew Missing, 1 Dead, 6 Rescued After Liftboat Capsizes
The U.S. Coast Guard and other private craft continue to search the Gulf of Mexico off Louisiana for the missing crew of a liftboat that capsized during a sudden storm on Friday, 16th of April. According to the Coast Guard, one person was pulled from the water unresponsive and declared dead, while a couple of good samaritan vessels and two cutters rescued six people. Twelve crew members are still missing.
The Coast Guard deployed two cutters, small rescue boats, multiple aircrews on helicopters and search planes, and seven good Samaritan vessels. They also called upon crews from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Port Fourchon Harbor Patrol, and Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office to join the search that stretched across 1,400 square miles. Speaking on the rescue efforts, Commander of Coast Guard Sector New Orleans, Capt. Will Watson said,
“Our rescue crews have been diligently continuing the search and rescue efforts for the missing people from the capsized vessel.”
Around the time of the incident, the U.S National Weather Service issued a warning for severe weather in the area. The Coast Guard said that it received an emergency position signaling radio beacon notification on April 13 from the ‘Seacor Power.’
The search began, and good Samaritans within the area were able to rescue four people from the water, while Coast Guard cutters rescued two people later. The search continued through to April 14, regardless of bad weather conditions. Sear Marine issued a statement saying that,
“We are deeply saddened by the news of the vessel capsizing and are working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities to support all efforts to locate our valued team members and partners,”
Adding that,
“We would like to thank the U.S. Coast Guard and good Samaritan vessels for their immediate response as well as the brave individuals who have further supported our search and rescue efforts. Our hearts and prayers go out to everyone involved.”