The US Coast Guard announced it suspended its search for two people that went missing, after the vessel they were aboard sank in the vicinity of mile marker 90.5 on the Mississippi River, near New Orleans, on Monday.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a report at 9:43 a.m. Monday that the towing vessel ‘Natalie Jean’ capsized with three people aboard. The good Samaritan vessel ‘Earl Gonsoulin’ rescued one person. Missing remain Malon Dawsey and Karl Prince.
Coast Guard crews and local agencies searched approximately 101 square nautical miles for over 43 hours and found no signs of the men.
USCG said Tuesday that it has not been able to locate the towboat’s wreckage. The Natalie Jean had approximately 600 gallons of diesel fuel onboard, but there have been no signs of a slick so far.
Initial reports refer that inclement weather with heavy waves caused the boat to capsize. However, the incident is under investigation so that the exact causes can be determined.
