USCG Calls Off Search for Missing Tugboat Captain

Posted in Maritime Accidents,New York Maritime News on April 30, 2012

The Coast Guard over the weekend suspended its search for the master of a tugboat who authorities believe fell overboard from his vessel on Wednesday off the coast of Newport, R.I.

Brendan O’Leary, 48, was last seen around 1:30 p.m. by the crew of the New York-based 91-foot tugboat Steven-Scott, and was reported missing about an hour later. At the time of the incident, the tugboat was about nine miles south of the coast of Newport, R.I.

“We no longer have planes or boats dedicated to the search,” said Petty Officer Connie Terrell.

The Coast Guard said O’Leary may not have been wearing a life jacket when he fell overboard.

Winds were blowing at 23 to 25 mph with waves of 3- to 6-feet when the incident occurred.

The U.S.-flagged Steven-Scott tugboat was on its way to Boston on Wednesday afternoon carrying 45,000 barrels of jet fuel.