Local Fisherman Missing In Gulf

Alabama Texas Coast Guard searching for him off the Louisiana coast.

by Robert Blomquist

Published: Tue, August 05, 2008 - 7:22 pm CST Last Updated: Tue, August 05, 2008 - 8:09 pm CST

An Irvington man is missing in the Gulf of Mexico. Thirty-four year old Joseph McCartan went missing near the Southwest Pass on the Mississippi River Sunday according to a Coast Guard press release. McCartan was aboard a commercial fishing boat, the Kelli Michelle, as a crewmember. The Coast Guard received a call around 9 p.m. Sunday from another crewmember reporting that McCartan was missing. Multiple searches have been conducted the past three days by both a coast guard helicopter and cutter. McCartan was last seen aboard the Kelli Michelle at 6 p.m. on Sunday when the boat was near the Southwest Pass Sea Buoy. McCartan's family say he was shrimping on the boat with his uncle who captains the ship. The Kelli Michelle was according to family members on it's way back to Bayou La Batre from Texas passing through Tropical Storm Edouard.

WKRG.com » News Stream » Alabama

Photo
Map

WKRG.com Related

News –› Alabama

News –› Bayou La Batre

News –› Irvington

Discuss this in the forum

Email to a Friend

Printer Friendly

rblmom Says:

Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 4:15 pm

Authorites need to dig deeper into this .. something doesnt sound right..why do you wait 3 hours before calling the coastguard to let them know Joe is missing????? I just think a closer look and more questioning needs to be asked…..

Jamie Burch Says:

Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 3:59 pm

Boondock,

CG has now called off the search with no sign of McCartan.
There is still a radio message alerting other boaters about the missing fisherman, but the Coast Guard does not plan to launch anymore boats or aircraft.
Be sure to watch News 5 at 5:00

Boondock Says:

Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 3:53 pm

Right Jamie. You will have a lead in story that gives no clues but makes you stay close to the tv so that when they do come back on air they give some information that means squat because it will be to late. So many times y’all will say one thing only to keep people watching then you give a different account. Make contact with the CG if you want information, don’t wait until 5 or 6 pm for the “latest”. Sounds more like your fishing for ratings.

Jamie Burch Says:

Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 2:49 pm

Mississippi & Boondock,

The Coast Guard is still searching for McCartan.
We’ll have an update tonight on news 5 at 5:00 and 6:00.

Boondock Says:

Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 12:12 pm

Don’t count on the news for your information, talk to the Coast Guard.

rblmom Says:

Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 10:44 am

Mississippi, thanks 4 ur concern yes that is his daughter. There is no word yet Hopefully the news will stay on top of this story… Plz pray for our friend

mustuknow Says:

Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 8:48 am

Any word on this young man? His picture with what I am assuming is his daughter is just heartbreaking. I pray that he is found safe and sound and that he is returned to his family and friends.

rblmom Says:

Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 7:58 am

Please everyone pray that OUR friend is found!!!!We love you Joe!!!!!!