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Six rescued, search underway for missing from capsized liftboat

Photo: USCG capsizeliftboat.jpg
Six people have been rescued and the search is on for more missing from a liftboat that capsized near Port Fourchon.

US Coast Guard (USCG) said watchstanders received an emergency position indicating radio beacon notification at 4-30pm (local time) on Tuesday a distressed 129-foot commercial lift vessel. The vessel was eight miles south of Port Fourchon.

“The watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast, which multiple good Samaritan boatcrews responded to,” the USCG said.

Two from the capsized liftboat were rescued by USCG response vessels, while a good Samaritan vessel rescued a further four from the water.

The search is now on for an unknown more number missing. The search involves four Coast Guard vessels, four good Samaritan vessels and a Coast Guard helicopter and aircraft.