Coast Guard, local responders searching for missing man after collision on Sabine Lake

(U.S Coast Guard Photo)

HOUSTON — The Coast Guard, Port Arthur Fire Department and Jefferson County Sheriff's Department are searching for a 56-year-old man after a collision occurred between the tug and barge Father Seelos and the missing man's pleasure craft about 500 feet west of Goat Island in Sabine Lake, Sunday.

Missing is John Tran of Bridge City, Texas.

The captain of tug Father Seelos contacted Vessel Traffic Service Port Arthur at approximately 2:30 p.m. notifying them of the collision.

Coast Guard crewmembers are currently searching for the man aboard an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Houston, and Station Sabine Pass's 25-foot Response Boat — Small and 24-foot Special Purpose Craft — Shallow Water. The Port Arthur Fire Department dive team and Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Marine Division are also searching.

“We’re utilizing all efforts possible to locate the missing person,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Joshua Tidey, an operations specialist at Sector Houston-Galveston.  “We currently have two surfaces assets, an air asset, and two partner agencies conducting search and rescue operations.”