Search Operation Called Off For Missing Crew Of Capsized Lift Boat In Gulf Of Mexico

The Gulf of Mexico lift boat capsizing incident rescue effort has officially come to an end after days. In the past 7 days since the boat named Seacor Power sank in rough weather conditions back on 12th April, the rescue team has been able to trace bodies of 5 people.

The rest 8 crew members of the boat are still missing and their bodies are unlikely to be found. An investigation has been launched which could go on for 2 years. At present, the authorities are prioritizing comforting and supporting the family of the deceased people

The lift boat had sunk 8 miles off the coast of Louisiana and the coast guard went on a daredevil mission to rescue them which encompassed a 9000 Square mile area.

Image Credits: USCG/Coast Guard Cutter Glenn Harris

The victims’ families have been going up and down the area twice a day in search of the loved ones. Some were fortunate to find them while others weren’t.

One of the families who got back the body of their loved one, Lawrence J Warren said they were blessed to take his body home and hoped that the others too can.

Many workers like Warren worked in Port Fourchon which is an offshore complex having a multitude of vessels, helicopters and other vehicles used by the oil and gas industry. This is the primary location from where employees were dispatched to oil rigs

John Gellert, the president of Seacor Marine pulled out all the stops to rescue the men. Even after engaging 17 divers the rest of the missing person couldn’t be recovered. The diving search operation started 4 hours after the incident

Gallery explained how the weather and the strong currents played spoilsport, shortening the diving time for the search operation. Added to this is the problem of visibility in that area due to the murky water brought in by the Mississippi river which intensifies during a storm.

Although the actual investigation report by NTSB will take more than 2 years to finish, Seacor’s President provided some information about the incident

Geller revealed that the ship encountered weather that was well beyond what was forecasted. The crew and the vessel were equipped to deal with the weather that was forecasted but what happened was beyond their control.

The company supported the 63-year-old captain David Ledet’s decision to go out based on the information that he had, saying he was a prudent and conservative man who is the best in service

The 4 people whose bodies have been rescued are identified as:

• Anthony Hartford, 53, New Orleans;
• James Wallingsford, 55, Gilbert, Louisiana;
• Ernest Williams, 69, Arnaudville;
• Laurence Warren, 36, Louisiana

Apparently, the captain was trying to retract the 3 long legs of the vessel when the ship capsized under the influence of the storm.

Reference: voanews.com

Source: Maritime Shipping News