USCG Confirms 4 Dead; Search Continues off Fla.

MarineLink.com February 7, 2014

A capsized vessel is lifted onboard the Royal Netherlands Navy Zeeland 75 miles northeast of West Palm Beach, Fla., Feb. 6, 2014. The crew aboard the Zeeland discovered and rescued seven people and recovered three bodies. (USCG photo)

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) said a fourth person has been confirmed dead following a capsizing 75 miles northeast of West Palm Beach, Fla., Thursday.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Seventh District command center received a report Thursday from the Royal Netherlands Navy Zeeland of a capsized 24-foot center console vessel with seven suspected migrants atop of the hull. The Coast Guard Cutter Richard Etheridge and an HC-130, from Air Station Clearwater, Fla., were diverted to the scene.

Upon discovering the vessel, the Royal Netherlands Navy rescued seven people and recovered three bodies from within the hull. The seven suspected migrants were transferred to the Richard Etheridge.

The Royal Netherlands Navy was en route to Key West, Fla., before discovering the overturned vessel.

The search continues for possible survivors.

uscgnews.com