Liftboat Taking on Water in US Gulf

November 19, 2018

The Coast Guard and three good Samaritan vessels assisted in the rescue of 15 people from a lift boat near Grand Isle, La., November 18, 2018. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Alexandria Preston)

Fifteen people have been rescued from a liftboat that lost power and is listing and taking in water in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.

The master of the 134-foot liftboat Ram XVIII reported on Sunday that the vessel had a 45-degree list and no power, causing the vessel to be unable to self correct the list, approximately 23 nautical miles west of Southwest Pass, La. with 15 people aboard. During the time the vessel was still taking on water, a steel tank filled with soap fell over the side, causing a hazard to navigation.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New Orleans issued an urgent marine information broadcast, launched a Coast Guard Station Grand Isle 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boatcrew, and launched an MH-65 Dolphin Helicopter air crew.

A good Samaritan vessel, the Starfleet Guardian, embarked six people from the vessel. The Station Grand Isle boatcrew embarked the remaining nine people from the vessel and transferred them to the Starfleet Guardian which took them to shore.

The liftboat has approximately 13,900 gallons of diesel on board. There are currently no reports of discharge.

Sector watchstanders issued an urgent safety marine information broadcast for the tank and the liftboat.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.