MOBILE, Ala. – The Coast Guard and partner agencies have responded to an increase in incidents involving oyster fishermen in Bay St. Louis, Miss., over the past two days.
One serious marine incident took place, which involved injury to a crewmember. The other incidents involved capsized fishing vessels.
The incidents, due to unsafe work practices and overloading of oyster fishing vessels, coincide with the State of Mississippi initiating the Oyster Recovery Program, Jan. 18th, to relocate oyster beds from St. Joe Reef to Pass Christian and Biloxi Bay.
The Coast Guard reminds fishing vessel captains and crewmembers to operate in a safe and responsible manner, and not to overload vessels with equipment or oysters, as well as to carry proper safety gear, including life jackets, sound producing devices and flares.
The Coast Guard will be issuing an urgent Marine Safety Information Bulletin to emphasize safe work practices, as well as to request information from anyone involved in the marine casualties.
Media inquiries may be directed to Lt. Cmdr. Kurt Brandstaetter, Coast Guard Sector Mobile, at (251) 441-5697.