A fishing boat collided with a 660 foot container ship off the coast of Mississippi on Wednesday, May 18. The fishing boat called the Sandy Point sank with 16 people on board. A pilot boat rescued 11 of the people from the water, while two swam to safety. Three others are still missing.

The Coast Guard says the boats collided eight miles off the coast near Ship Island between 8:30 and 9:00 pm. They are currently searching for the missing three. According to the Coast Guard, a 25 square mile safety zone has been set up to allow for the search and rescue and pollution response. Two helicopters, a plane, two Coast Guard cutters, and several other ships are involved in the operation.

The cause of the crash is under investigation. It was dark, but there was no fog at the time of the collision. Tug boats towed the container ship away, but it was unclear where it was taken to.

Boating accidents are more common on lakes, rivers and reservoirs, but when they happen so far off the coast, they can be particularly tragic. Loved ones should know that they may be able to file a claim with an experienced personal injury attorney to get compensation.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident anywhere in the US, please contact an experienced boating accident attorney through the Accident Lawyers Network today.