The USCG launched a Unified Command and Joint Information Centre to be responsible for the salvage of the vehicle carrier ‘Golden Ray’, which capsized on Sunday, September 8.
Namely, the Unified Command includes the USCG, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and Gallagher Marine Systems. Their priorities are to ensure the safety of the public and responders, protect wildlife and the environment, ensure economical activities in the area of the incident are lightly affected and the eventual salvage and safe removal of the vessel.
Overall, when the vessel capsized, 20 people were rescued; There were 24 on board, 23 crew and one pilot. Yet, as four were missing the forces conducted search and rescue operations to find the remaining ones.
Although the USCG rescued the remaining four crewmembers, the capsized vessel remains a danger for those navigating in the area, as it capsized at the entrance to St. Simons Sound while departing the port for Baltimore.
Norm C. Witt, the commanding officer at Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Savannah, reported to local media that the salvage could take months.
I would say that each step of the way, we’re continuing to redefine those plans as we learn more about the condition of the ship and trying to make sure that our processes are as safe and effective as possible. This is definitely something that we want to get right the first time.
