The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
(NEW ORLEANS) — The Coast Guard is investigating a marine incident that caused a tug boat to take on water and sink in Lake Pontchartrain Wednesday, June 24, 2009.
Coast Guard Station New Orleans received the initial report at approximately 5:30 p.m from the captain of the sinking vessel that the M/V Capt. Mack was taking on water, one mile northeast of the Lakefront Airport. The station launched a 41-foot rescue boat and crew to assist. The two people on board the M/V Capt. Mack were quickly rescued before the vessel completely capsized.
Fuel vents on board the M/V Capt. Mack have been blocked and boom has been placed around the site of the sinking to mitigate any possible pollution.
The incident is under investigation.
