(VIDEO) Coast Guard Rescues at Least 20 Crew Members From Capsized GOLDEN RAY Vessel in Brunswick
At approximately 2 a.m. on Sunday, 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.
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 23 people; there was one pilot aboard. 20 of the 24 people have been rescued.
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. (as of 4:20pm CST.).
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. (as of 4:20pm CST.).
A Coast Guard Air Station Savannah MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew hoists crewmembers from the 656-foot vehicle carrier Golden Ray after the vessel became disabled and started to list in the St. Simons Sound near Brunswick, Georgia, Sept. 8, 2019. The Golden Ray had 24 people on board and 20 of the 24 people have been rescued with 4 unaccounted for. (U.S. Coast Guard video by Air Station Savannah)
The Coast Guard and port partners are searching for the remaining four crew members aboard the 656-foot vehicle carrier Golden Ray, in St. Simons Sound, near Brunswick, Georgia, Sept. 8, 2019. A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrews and other port partners rescued 20 people after it was reported the vessel was disabled, listing, and had a fire on board. (U.S. Coast Guard video by Air Station Savannah)
SOURCE: U.S. Coast Guard
Thank you to ALL of these HEROES!!!
