Master missing after tug sinks

The US Coast Guard is searching for the captain of the 16-metre towing vessel, 'Gate-Way’, which sunk with two people onboard near Norco on the Mississippi River.

At approximately 12:30 a.m. on January 2, 2008, Sector New Orleans received a call from the towing vessel Secretariat as well as from the dispatch operator of the Saint Rose Fleet facility reporting that the 'Gate-Way' sank while working with the Secretariat. One crewmember was rescued by the Secretariat and transported by Upper Saint Rose Fleet to a relative's home. Air Station New Orleans launched an HH-65C rescue helicopter and the New Orleans Marine Safety and Security Team has searched with two 7.6-metre vessels. Coast Guard Station New Orleans is currently on scene with a 12.5-metre boat. St Charles Sheriff Department and South Louisiana Port Authority are also on scene actively searching. The cause of the incident is under investigation.
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