Man missing after falling overboard from oil tanker near San Diego

The following is the text of a press release issued April 8 by the U.S. Coast Guard:

 

(SAN DIEGO) — The Coast Guard is searching for a missing 40-year-old man who fell overboard from the oil tanker BW Thames approximately 70 miles south of San Diego this evening.

At 7:47 p.m. the Coast Guard received a report from the oil tanker stating that while conducting a ship to ship personnel transfer, a man fell in the water after the basket and gear used in the transfer broke. The man and basket fell in the water and have not been located.

An MH-60J Jayhawk helicopter and an 87-foot patrol boat from Coast Guard Sector San Diego have been dispatched and are searching for the man. The Coast Guard expects to continue the search through the night if necessary.

By Professional Mariner Staff