Neches River Traffic Restricted due to Sunken Boat

Vessel traffic on the Neches River is restricted as a result of a shrimp boat that sank Monday morning.

At approximately 3 a.m., the Captain Kevin sank in the Neches River, causing oil sheen and one minor injury.

The vessel is currently located approximately 1500 feet from the end of the channel and 100 feet from the west side of the jetty.

The Coast Guard has established a safety zone one-quarter mile north and one-quarter mile south of the sunken boat, spanning from jetty to jetty.

Some deep draft vessels have been authorized to transit the area to determine what, if any, impacts vessel movement may have on the sunken boat.

The Coast Guard is working with the Texas General Land Office, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, and vessel owners to recover the vessel and fuel. At the time the boat sank, it was carrying approximately 5000 gallons of diesel fuel.

The cause of the sinking is under investigation.