Casualty News

Vessel operator: Puerto Rico landing craft was denied assistance

Professional Mariner Staff
The following is the text of a press release issued by Carlos Padilla, owner representative, and designated captain of LCU Don Alejandro Jose Padilla:
 
(GUAYANILLA, Puerto Rico) — The United States Coast Guard issued a Press Release regarding the accident of the LCU Don Alejandro Jose Padilla which is partially wrong, and contain misguided information. The decision to depart from Mona Island from Bahia Sardineras in such a hurry was a decision of the designated captain Carlos E. Padilla due to the upcoming bad weather conditions created by Hurricane Bill.

The vessel was travelling from Puerto Rico to Mona Island to deliver construction material property of the Government of Puerto Rico that by the way denied all support, assistance, and help to the LCU Don Alejandro Jose Padilla when the vessel was in distress. Based on the premise that was a Coast Guard Responsibility, and not of the Dept. of Recursos Naturales of Puerto Rico Mona Island Station. The Dept. of Recursos Naturales of Puerto Rico Mona Island Station denied the vessel “La Maruka†access to Bahia Sardineras, Turn off the light system leaving the area in totally darkness. Also the Dept. of Recursos Naturales of Puerto Rico denied assistance with Fuel, and water.

The LCU Don Alejandro Jose Padilla is a 135 feet a former U.S.Navy Vessel known as LCU 1623 Converted ASDV-2 Which rendered service at the Roosevelt Roads Naval Station.The LCU Don Alejandro Jose Padilla was not patrolled or escorted by any means by the Coast Guard Cutter Chincoteague to the home port of San Juan. The LCU Don Alejandro Jose Padilla was tugged by the Hector P. Tractor Boat property of South Puerto Rico Towing to the home port of Guayanilla, Puerto Rico.We are very grateful of some Coast Guard personnel, and civilian mariners that assisted in the emergency of the LCU Don Alejandro Jose Padilla, and their safe return to the home port of Guayanilla, Puerto Rico.

 
We want to thank too many people involved in this rescue effort of the LCU Don Alejandro Jose Padilla starting with:

Captain Jose Collazo (Chacho), Don Alejandro Jose Padilla Captain for his 45 years of experience in towing and salvage.

The Mate Giovanni Feliciano and the Engineer Jackie Perez for all their hard work in order to save the LCU Don Alejandro Jose Padilla.
All U.S. Coast Guard Personnel and the crew of the Cutter Chincoteague, and the cutter Sarpello for their assistance in the emergency.
Search and Rescue from the Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen Aguadilla HH-65 Dolphin
The Lack Of Cooperation, and assistance of the Puerto Rico Government, Dept of Recursos Naturales in Mona Island.
The excess of cooperation of all personnel of the Puerto Rico Government, Dept of Recursos Naturales from the Boqueron, and Mayaguez Station, and the Air Division.

The divers of South Marine Services. Alexis Santiago and his personnel

Mr. Edgar Ramirez owner of the MV-Maruka for his assistantance, and his crew.
Mr. Roberto Ruiz Cordero First Responder Radio Operator/Coordinator
Taller Rodriguez for their Mechanic Support.
We are thankful and grateful for everyone involved in the rescue of the LCU Don Alejandro Jose Padilla, and for all their hard work to save the vessel, and bring it back save to port.

Thank you to all of you, we will be always very grateful for your hard work, and assistance.

By Professional Mariner Staff