Office of External Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard

Date: Jan. 02, 2008
Contact:  External Affairs Office      (504) 671-2020

COAST GUARD SEARCHES FOR MISSING TUG BOAT CAPTAIN

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard is searching for the captain of the 52-foot towing vessel, Gate-Way, that sunk with two people onboard early this morning near Norco, La., on the Mississippi River. 

At approximately 12:30 a.m this morning Sector New Orleans received a call from the towing vessel Secretariat as well as from the dispatch operartor of the Saint Rose Fleet facility reporting that the Gate-Way sank while working with the Secretariat.

One crewmember was rescued by the Secretariat and transported by Upper Saint Rose Fleet to a relative's home.

Air Station New Orleans launched an HH-65C rescue helicopter and the New Orleans Marine Safety and Security Team has searched with two 25-foot vessels. Coast Guard Station New Orleans is currently on scene with a 41-foot boat.

St. Charles Sheriff Department and South Louisiana Port Authority are also on scene activley searching.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

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U.S. Coast Guard - Saving lives since 1790