Photo courtesy of the Coast Guard
The Coast Guard’s Unified Command for the SEACOR Power response begins efforts to remove the vessel that capsized earlier this month near Port Fourchon. The 234-foot lift boat was carrying 19 passengers and potentially up to 35-thousand gallons of oil products when it flipped over in stormy weather on April 13. Coast Guard spokeswoman Nicole Groll said safety is a priority.
“Divers are going down to survey the vessel and locate where the oil tankards are and then we will be using oil recovery equipment to remove everything safely off,” said Groll.
The Unified Command is comprised of representatives from the Coast Guard and SEACOR Marine. Groll said they are monitoring the weather and making sure all safety parameters are being followed.
“And using all the oil recovery equipment at their disposal to minimize any type of environmental impact,” said Groll.
As for the removal of the vessel, Groll said they are developing the best strategy.
“Currently we are developing a plan for the removal of the vessel itself from the Gulf of Mexico but that cannot happen until we remove all the pollutants,” said Groll.
Seven crew members from the Seacor Power remain missing, six have been found dead, while six were rescued.
Comments