The following is the text of a press release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(NEW ORLEANS) — The Coast Guard is searching for the captain of the 52-foot towing vessel, Gate-Way, that sunk with two people onboard early this morning near Norco, La., on the Mississippi River.
At approximately 12:30 a.m this morning Sector New Orleans received a call from the towing vessel Secretariat as well as from the dispatch operartor of the Saint Rose Fleet facility reporting that the Gate-Way sank while working with the Secretariat.
One crewmember was rescued by the Secretariat and transported by Upper Saint Rose Fleet to a relative’s home.
Air Station New Orleans launched an HH-65C rescue helicopter and the New Orleans Marine Safety and Security Team has searched with two 25-foot vessels. Coast Guard Station New Orleans is currently on scene with a 41-foot boat.
St. Charles Sheriff Department and South Louisiana Port Authority are also on scene activley searching.
The cause of the incident is under investigation.
