What Crew Members Say About Sandy-Point

On August 27, 2017, the U.S. Coast Guard executed a daring rescue operation near Port Aransas, Texas, amidst the raging winds and torrents of Hurricane Harvey. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi promptly received multiple distress signals from three vessels: the 'Sabine Pass,' 'Sandy Point,' and 'Signet Enterprise.' In response, they dispatched two MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crews from Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi to the scene. The first of the rescues involved the tug 'Sabine Pass,' where seven crew members were successfully hoisted to safety and flown to a nearby rig close to Aransas Pass. In a separate rescue, four individuals stranded on the 'Signet Enterprise,' which was in peril as it took on water, were also airlifted to safety. The Coast Guard's vigilant efforts didn’t stop there, as they rescued an additional four crew members from the 'Sandy Point.' The heroic actions of the Coast Guard ensured that all 15 people aboard the distressed vessels were safely brought to shore. For more details and photos of the operation, visit the official report at Coast Guard News.

The U.S. Coast Guard is still withholding its report on a tragic collision that occurred in the Mississippi Sound on the night of May 18, 2011. The incident involved the fishing vessel 'Sandy Point,' which collided with the cargo ship 'Eurus London' as it was departing the Port of Gulfport, situated near the western edge of West Ship Island in the Gulfport Ship Channel. Tragically, three workers aboard the 'Sandy Point' lost their lives in the accident. However, 11 employees from Omega were rescued, while two additional crew members managed to make their way to the 'Eurus London.' In the aftermath of this devastating event, family members of the deceased, alongside five individuals who reported injuries, have initiated lawsuits related to the collision. Both Omega and the 'Eurus London' have put forth claims aimed at limiting their liabilities while also proceeding to sue each other over the incident. Omega attributes the fault to the crew of the 'Eurus London,' asserting that the cargo vessel was traveling at an excessive speed. Conversely, attorneys representing the 'Eurus London' argue that the 'Sandy Point' was navigating outside the Ship Channel before it abruptly turned 90 degrees, leading to the impact with the cargo ship. It's important to note that the Coast Guard's report cannot be introduced as evidence in the ongoing lawsuits, which have been consolidated in the U.S. District Court in Gulfport. As of April 19, 2012, a spokesperson for the Coast Guard's Office of Investigations and Casualty Analysis stated that the investigation into the collision remains open. While the investigation has made significant progress, several safety recommendations stemming from this case require review and approval from the commandant, a process that is typically lengthy.