Crew members from the Coast Guard Station Grand Isle 45-foot response boat-medium boat prepare to throw a heaving line at the hull of the Seacor Power, offshore Port Fourchon Louisiana on Thursday. The crew was attempting to make contact with potential survivors inside the vessel.
U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of Coast Guard Station Grand Isle)
Two more bodies recovered from capsized lift boat
Seacor-contracted commercial divers from Donjon Marine Co., who were diving on the capsized Seacor Power lift boat, recovered two more unresponsive people Friday, the Coast Guard said.
The Lafourche Parish coroner identified them as Anthony Hartford, 53, of New Orleans and James Wallingsford, 55, of Gilbert in northeast Louisiana, the Advocate reported Saturday.
"Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and loved ones of everyone involved in this tragic incident," said Capt. Will Watson, commander of Coast Guard Sector New Orleans. "We are using every asset available to us to continue our search efforts."
Donjon divers returned to the scene at 7:50 a.m. Friday to conduct an assessment and began dive operations. The divers had to stop diving mid-morning due to dangerous weather conditions, but resumed diving operations again at approximately 1:30 p.m. Friday.
Donjon dive operations are scheduled to continue throughout Friday evening, weather permitting.
The Seacor Power lift boat capsized late Tuesday afternoon. Six of the 19 crew members were rescued by the Coast Guard and volunteer vessel operators that same day.
One body was recovered Wednesday and another Thursday.
They have been identified by the Lafourche Parish Coroner's Office as David Ledet, 63, of Thibodaux, the boat's captain, and Ernest Williams, 69, of Arnaudville.