Freeport Sunken Vessel; Freeport, Texas

Freeport, Texas | 1998-Nov-09

Initial Notification: On 9 November, Station Freeport received a cellular phone call from the F/V Joyce. She was listing hard to port and taking on water in 8-10 foot seas southeast of Freeport, Texas. Fearing the vessel would sink, the three crew members were safely hoisted by a USCG HH-65 and taken to shore. MSO Galveston requested a tactical trajectory and evaluation of the potential environmental threat of spilled diesel given the current location and conditions (see Hotline #02). The vessel was initially reported as sunk; a subsequent overflight stated the vessel was awash and no pollution was observed. Additional overflights are scheduled and a salvage company has been secured. The NOAA SSC is standing by. USCG district 8.