USCG responds to two Mobile Ship Channel sinkings

OCTOBER 14, 2014 — The Coast Guard is responding to two sunken vessels in Mobile Ship Channel north of Gaillard Island, Tuesday.

Coast Guard Sector Mobile watch standers received a call from the crew of the towing vessel, Miss Sammy Lee, reporting the sinking of two vessels, the 52-foot towing vessel Delta Amber, and the 26-foot dredging vessel Nicholas. The Miss Sammy Lee crew rescued the crews from both vessels Monday evening around 10:46 p.m.

A Coast Guard Station Dauphin Island small boat crew safely transferred the crew members of both sunken vessels from the Miss Sammy Lee to the Dog River Marina. There were no reported injuries.

Response crews report a 50 yard by one mile sheen in the area of the incident.

Crews deployed boom around the sunken vessels, which reportedly contain 2,000 gallons of fuel and lube oil combined.

Response crews continue recovery efforts and developing a salvage plan for the sunken vessels.

All three vessels were conducting dredging operations at the time of the incident.

The Coast Guard is investigating the incident.