NEW ORLEANS – Coast Guard rescue crews are searching for a missing crewman from the fishing vessel AC III, 58 miles south of Mobile Bay, Ala., Thursday evening.
Benjamin Sorrells, 35, reportedly was leaning over side of the vessel when he slipped overboard wearing blue jeans without a life jacket. The crew of the AC III attempted to rescue Sorrells.
Watchstanders with Coast Guard Sector Mobile received the initial notification of the missing crewmember around 6:20 p.m. and directed the launch of a Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew. An ATC Mobile MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew was diverted from training to assist in the search.
A Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans helicopter crew will be assisting in the search for Sorrells.
Coast Guard rescue crews will continue to search throughout the night for Sorrells.