US Coast Guard to investigate ship deaths

US Coast Guard to investigate ship deaths
The US Coastguard is to investigate into the deaths of two men aboard the SOL DO BRASIL.

The fruit juice carrier was docked at Port Manatee when the two men went down to No1 hold. After a period the captain became concerned and crew found the men to be dead. Their identities have not been released as yet.

The Coast Guard say they received a call at 11:43 a.m. from Port Manatee reporting that two crewmembers from Sol Do Brasil were found deceased at about 11 a.m. in the No1 cargo hold.

Crewmembers donned safety gear which included self-contained breathing devices, entered the space, retrieved both victims and immediately performed CPR. Unfortunately their efforts were unsuccessful in reviving the victims the US Coast Gaurd reported.

The Coast Guard, in cooperation with the ship's owner, the Manatee Port Authority and the Liberian-flag state administration, is investigating to determine the cause of this unfortunate accident and to prevent recurrences.

"Our sincere condolences go out to the family of the two crewmembers who were involved in this unfortunate incident," said Capt. Joseph Servidio, Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg Commander. "We also share our sympathy with the vessel's crewmembers and company."

Local Emergency Medical Services transported both crewmembers to the Manatee County Coroner's office.

As in all investigations of these types, the Coast Guard directed that the entire crew submit to drug and alcohol testing. The investigation remains on going.

(Photo shows the SOL DO BRASIL calling at the port of Wilmington)