Body of Missing Man Found After Crane Barge Capsizes in Delaware – Update 2

The crane barge was reportedly attached to the 6,100 horsepower cutter suction dredge Essex. File photo courtesy Norfolk Dredging Company

Update 2: According to local reports, the body of the missing man was found in the river at about 5:30 p.m. local time.

Update: The Coast Guard says it suspended its search Wednesday afternoon for a missing man in the Christina River in the vicinity of the Port of Wilmington.

Tuesday: The U.S. Coast Guard and local agencies are searching for a missing man in the Christina River after a crane barge capsized in the vicinity of the Port of Wilmington, Delaware on Tuesday evening.

Missing is Emanuel Gatling, 25.

An employee from Norfolk Dredging Company contacted Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay Command Center watchstanders at approximately 6:45 p.m. to report Gatling missing in the water.

The employee reported three crewmembers fell into the water after a crane barge capsized. The barge was attached to the dredge Essex. Two of the men resurfaced from the water while Gatling remains missing.

A 25-foot Response Boat-Small crew from Coast Guard Station Philadelphia has been dispatched and Wilmington fireboat crews are also searching for Gatling. Divers were reportedly searching the waters, however the underwater search has been called off for the night.

Gatling was reportedly wearing an orange float coat.

Subscribe for Daily Maritime Insights

Sign up for gCaptain’s newsletter and never miss an update

— trusted by our 109,153 members