Pilot missing in Delaware Bay
The U.S. Coast Guard has ended its search for a federal ship pilot who fell into the water Sunday night while boarding the U.S.-flag collier 'Energy Enterprise' about two miles off the coast of Cape Henlopen, at the mouth of the Delaware Bay.
Missing is Lynn Deibert, 52, a pilot with the Chesapeake Federal Pilots Association whose home of record is reported to be Virginia Beach, Va. Deibert was transferring from the pilot vessel 'Big Stone 5' to the coal ship when he fell from the freight ship's ladder and into the water, reportedly 39 degrees Fahrenheit.
Although Deibert was wearing a flotation device, and life rings were tossed, the Coast Guard was unable to find him despite a search that included 18 sorties by helicopters and planes and participation of two rescue boats and a Coast Guard cutter.
On-scene weather at the time of accident was reported as 20-25 knot winds, six-foot seas and clear visibility.
Both the pilot boat and coal ship will be examined as part of the Coast Guard investigation.
Pilot missing in Delaware Bay
