BOURBON issues update on lost tug vessel

Sept. 30, 2019
BOURBON reports that the tug supply vessel Bourbon Rhode has sunk.

Offshore staff

MARSEILLES, France – BOURBON reports that the tug supply vessel Bourbon Rhode has sunk. The search for crewmembers continues to be carried out in weather conditions that are improving.

The company reports that numerous commercial vessels changed their course to bring assistance; and that the French Navy, under the authority of the Prefect representing the State’s maritime authority, has conducted numerous flyovers over the search zone using the Falcon 50 aircraft. The mobilized rescue teams have recovered a lifeboat with three crew members on board.

BOURBON has also reported the death of one of the crew members of the Bourbon Rhode. The body of the missing seafarer was located by one of the aircraft involved in the search and has been recovered by one of the five vessels that came to assist. The seafarer's family was immediately notified and they requested that the identity not be disclosed.

The company says that rescue operations are continuing to find the other crew members, with significant maritime and air search resources deployed by the French and American authorities. The vessel has been in transit at 1,200 nautical miles off Martinique island and 60 nautical miles south-southeast when it encountered extremely adverse weather conditions related to category 4 Hurricane Lorenzo.

09/30/2019