Coast Guard Responds to Freight Ship Taking on Water

Coast Guard rescue crews are on scene and assisting with the dewatering process of a 184-ft. freight ship that was reported to be taking on water approximately 12 miles northeast of Miami Beach, Fla. The Coast Guard received a mayday call by the captain that the Sea Taxi was taking on water and his five-person crew needed immediately assistance. The Coast Guard launched an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Miami, a rescue boat from Coast Guard Station Miami Beach and the Coast Guard Cutter Sitkinak. The Sea Taxi was reported to be taking on approximately 120 gallons per minute in the engine room. The crew of the Sitinak sent a damage control team on board and has made temporary repairs to the vessel. The Coast Guard Captain of the Port has granted the ship to re-enter the Miami River under strict guidlines. The ship must only enter the Port of Miami during the daylight hours and must use tugboats to make way. The captain must also have the vessel boomed off at the moorings and immediately have divers in the water to inspect and make repairs to the hull. It is not known what caused the vessel to take on water but it has been reported the vessel may have hit the ground while leaving the Miami River or Port of Miami yesterday. Coast Guard will investigate. The Coast Guard Cutter Sitkinak is a 110-foot patrol boat homeported in Miami.