US Mariners Rescue 12 People Adrift at Sea in the Gulf of Mexico
The crew of a ship belonging to the Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) rescued 12 migrants off the coast of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico. The rescue mission was carried out by the Jones Act Tanker named OVERSEAS LONG BEACH, which was on a voyage from Corpus Christi to Jacksonville.
During their voyage, the OVERSEAS LONG BEACH crew encountered a small vessel in distress off Southwest Pass. The tanker's master quickly diverted the vessel to assist. As they approached the unknown vessel, they found 12 people onboard who were adrift without food, water, and fuel. Some of them were in need of medical attention.
In coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard Sector New Orleans, the master of the Overseas Long Beach prepared a rescue mission. They established communication with the stranded vessel, maneuvered alongside it, and rescued the people onboard.
One of the crewmembers of the OVERSEAS LONG BEACH acted as an interpreter with the survivors, who revealed that they only had half a gallon of water left, and their food had run out a week ago. Their intended destination had been Mexico. After safety and first aid checks, the survivors were taken to the crew's lounge, where they were provided with mattresses, blankets, food, and water.
