The Coast Guard has reported that it has rescued six people from a recreational vessel that capsized in the Gulf of Mexico. Acoording to Coast Guard reports, the body of a seventh person was located in the pilot house of the vessel and turned over to authorities for identification and notification to next of kin.
The Coast Guard stated that it received a report at 3:30 p.m. from the captain of the vessel the FIGHTING CHICKEN, a 21 foot offshore supply vessel, that the recreational vessel had capsized. The Coast Guard immediately dispatched the 87 foot cutter COHO, an MH-65C Dolphin rescue helicopter, and an HC-144 Ocean Sentry rescue plane to assist in a search and rescue.
The FIGHTING CHICKEN rescued four of the people and turned them over to the COHO. The Coast Guard Helicopter rescued two additional people found on a nearby oil rig. The condition of the survivors is unknown.
A sea tow vessel and the COHO righted the capsized vessel and found a seventh person’s body in pilot house. The cause of the capsizing is under investigation.
The maritime lawyers at Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC represent injured mariners throughout the nation in claims involving the Jones Act and General Maritime Law. For any questions regarding maritime law or injuries sustained while working aboard a vessel, contact us at 206.282.3100 or visit our website at www.atsealawyer.com.