Four missing after car carrier catches fire off Brunswick, Georgia

The US Coast Guard and partner agencies are continuing their search for four crewmembers who went missing after a cargo vessel caught fire in St. Simons Sound in Brunswick, Georgia, on Sunday, September 8.

A total of 20 people have been safely removed and four people remain unaccounted for on 199-metre vehicle carrier Golden Ray. The vessel was listing heavily as of 10:16 local time on Sunday.

The coast guard first learned of the incident at around 02:00 when Sector Charleston watchstanders were notified by Glynn County 911 despatchers that Golden Ray had capsized in St. Simons Sound. The watchstanders immediately issued an urgent marine information broadcast and directed the launch of multiple coast guard assets including the Marine Protector-class cutter USCGC Heron, two response boats, and two MH-65 Dolphin helicopters.

Golden Ray‘s master and chief engineer are assisting authorities and salvage teams in developing plans to stabilise the vessel and continue rescue efforts.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.