15930: (Chamberlain) Freighter Sinks (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Greg Chamberlain <GregChamberlain@compuserve.com>

   HOLLYWOOD, Fla., June 16 (AP) -- A disabled freighter sank Monday about
five miles off the Florida coast after the Coast Guard rescued its eight
Haitian crew members and sole passenger.
   The Honduran-flagged, 160-foot freighter was carrying rice, beans,
cooking oil and other goods to Haiti when it experienced engine trouble
Saturday. The ship, the Silhouette, drifted for about a day before it was
anchored near Hollywood Beach, the Coast Guard said.
   Petty Officer Danielle DeMarino said the crew notified officials early
Monday that the freighter was taking on water.
   The Coast Guard sent a rescue boat to pick up the crew and passenger,
and had a commercial salvage vessel tow the freighter about five miles
offshore, DeMarino said.
   "Because it was sinking already, our goal was to get it into deeper
waters so it would not hinder navigation," she said.
   The crew members were being interviewed at the Bureau of Immigration and
Customs Enforcement. If they ask to remain in the United States, it would
be up to the agency whether to return them to Haiti.
   Diesel fuel spilled from the vessel, creating a slick about a half-mile
long. Coast Guard officials said they expected no long-term environmental
harm.