The Coast Guard said Monday it had suspended its search for eight remaining crew members of a 129-foot commercial ship that capsized Louisiana.
Crews from various agencies, including Coast Guard boat and air crews, and Good Samaritans, searched for 175 hours and covered more than 9,200 square nautical miles, after the ship, the Seacor Power, capsized in strong winds and sea on Tuesday afternoon with 19 people on board. , said the Coast Guard.
“We appreciate everyone who volunteered during the search. Suspending a search is one of the most difficult decisions the Coast Guard has to make,” said Capt. Will Watson, commander of the Coast Guard, New Orleans, said. “Our crew members have been constantly searching for the past six days, hoping to bring the missing crew members home to their loved ones.”
Seacor President John Gellert said Monday Seacor divers will continue the salvage work until the entire vessel is searched.
Six people were rescued the day of the crash, four by good Samaritan boat crews who responded to a Coast Guard broadcast, officials said.
The bodies of two people were recovered Wednesday and Thursday, officials said. David Ledet (63) of Thibodaux was found on Wednesday and Ernest Williams (69) of Arnaudville was found according to the coastguard and the coroner on Thursday.
Three other bodies were also recovered, the Coast Guard said.
The National Transportation Safety Board said Monday that an investigation could take 12 to 24 months.
The Coast Guard said Seacor Power capsized about 8 miles south of Port Fourchon. The Coast Guard was given an emergency position at around 16:30 on Tuesday, indicating that radio beacons were notified of a vessel in distress.
