Rescue workers searching an overturned cargo ship off the Georgia coast on Monday say they have drilled into the hull of the Golden Ray and made contact with four crew members.
The condition of the four is unknown at this time. “Salvage crews have made contact with crew members in the #GoldenRay. Conditions unknown. Extraction being planned,” the Coast Guard tweeted on Monday.
#BreakingNews Salvage crews have have made contact with crew members in the #GoldenRay. Conditions unknown. Extraction being planned. #HappeningNow pic.twitter.com/wPdKfgqBdN
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) September 9, 2019
Salvage crews are currently assessing the #GoldenRay hull for possible entry. #HappeningNow pic.twitter.com/PNTHSR03aF
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) September 9, 2019
#video from @USCG crews on scene. #HappeningNow pic.twitter.com/Hq553Fjqsu
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) September 9, 2019
.@USCG and salvage crews are currently trying to access the #GoldenRay near #StSimonsSound via rescue helicopter. #HappeningNow #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/1Uhr67peSM
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) September 9, 2019
National Desk – The Coast Guard and port partners are searching for four crewmembers aboard a disabled cargo vessel with a fire on board Sunday morning in St. Simons Sound, Brunswick, Georgia.
Currently, 20 people have been safely removed and four people remain unaccounted for on the M/V GOLDEN RAY, a 656-foot vehicle carrier. The vessel is listing heavily in the St. Simons Sound.
At approximately 2 a.m., Coast Guard Sector Charleston watchstanders were notified by the Glynn County 911 dispatch that the M/V GOLDEN RAY had capsized in the St. Simons Sound. The watchstanders immediately issued an urgent marine information broadcast and directed the launch of multiple Coast Guard assets.
#Update Evacuations of the Golden Ray’s crew continue. All vessel traffic in the Port of Brunswick is currently suspended unless approved by the @USCG Captain of the Port. #HappeningNow pic.twitter.com/F7JbdGCShU
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) September 8, 2019
The vessel’s master and chief engineer are assisting authorities and salvage teams to develop plans to stabilize the vessel and continue rescue efforts. The GOLDEN RAY’s crew size is 24 people; 23 crewmembers and one pilot.
The Golden Ray was scheduled to dock in Baltimore before arriving at the Port of Wilmington on September 11, 2019.
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Coast Guard units involved in the response:
Two Coast Guard Station Brunswick Response Boat crews
Two Coast Guard Air Station Savannah MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crews
Coast Guard Cutter Heron launched to assist
Coast Guard Sector Charleston
Marine Safety Unit Savannah
Coast Guard Salvage Engineering Response Team (SERT) launched to assist
The Port of Brunswick Captain of the Port (COTP) has established an emergency safety zone in St. Simons Sound. Vessels are not authorized within .5 miles of the M/V GOLDEN RAY, which is laid over on its side.
Also assisting in the response are the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Moran Towing, SeaTow, Brunswick Bar Pilots Association, and the Glynn County Fire Department.
The cause of the incident is under investigation.