The Coast Guard is searching for a crewman who fell off a tugboat Thursday morning in the Mississippi River near Donaldsonville, Louisiana. The missing man was described as African American and authorities say he was last seen wearing an orange work vest.
The towing vessel CSS Richmond, owned by Carline’s Geismar Fleet, Inc., in Gonzales, La., reported to the Coast Guard that a crew member had gone overboard about 9:30 a.m. The search was focused around mile marker 183, and includes a Coast Guard search boat and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter air crew, with help from the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Department.
If you have any information regarding the missing tug worker, please contact the Coast Guard at (800) 874-2153.
Dangers of Maritime Work
This incident highlights one of the many risks faced by maritime workers every day on America’s inland waterways. A life vest should always be worn but is no guarantee of safety when falling into the Mississippi River.
Falling or being knocked off a barge or tugboat is a type of river accident that happens all too often. These accidents often are the result of poor safety procedures, malfunctioning equipment, negligence on the part of other crewmembers, weather conditions — or a combination of these factors.
The Mississippi River accident attorneys at Lambert Zainey have helped maritime workers protect their legal rights after on-the-job accidents for more than 40 years. Contact us today to learn your rights.