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Tag: Gulf of Mexico

Master D

Master D

Master D
Photo: uscg

On August 30, the 68 foot long, 122 gt fishing vessel Master D caught fire in the Gulf of Mexico near Port Isabel, Texas.  All three crewmen on the Master D were forced to abandoned ship into a life raft as the smoke engulfed the vessel.  Authorities were alerted by an emergency radio beacon from the Master D and diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Coho to the scene. The Coho arrived and safely rescued all three crew members.  No reports of injuries.  

After burning for two days, the Master D sank 58 miles off Port Isabel.  Reports show a light sheen over the wreck location.  The Coast Guard has reported that it will work with a salvage team to remove any diesel fuel or oil pollution released by the fishing vessel. The Master D had some 23,000 gallons of fuel on board at the time of the incident. 

Leigh River

Leigh River

Leigh River

On March 13, the 50 meter long, 581 gt supply vessel Leigh River sank in the Gulf of Mexico some 55 miles off Veracruz, Mexico. The vessel had sprung a leak in the engine room which overwhelmed the Leigh River’s pumps. Unable to control the flooding, the crew sent out a distress call.  Authorities dispatched a helicopter to the scene while the 190 meter long bulk carrier Sredna Gora diverted to the scene. The helicopter arrived to find all eight crew of the Leigh River safely abandon ship and transfer over to the Sredna Gora.  No reports of injuries.

Reports state the Leigh River later sank. No further details reported.

Crosby Commander

Crosby Commander

Crosby Commander

On May 30, the 14 meter long tugboat Crosby Commander sank in the Gulf of Mexico near Marsh Island, Louisiana. The tug was struck by severe weather during the early morning hours.  The high winds and large waves from the storm quickly overwhelmed the tugboat. The vessel suffered water ingress and began to sink. Just before the Crosby Commander sank, 3 of the 4 crew on board scrambled into the vessel’s life raft.  A nearby vessel rescued the three crewmen who were reported to be in good shape.

The fourth crewman was reported as missing. The Coast Guard launched a search and rescue operation to find the missing man. The Coast Guard has also launched an investigation into the incident.