|
The
formal search for Joshua Spillane, marine technician,
ended at 1800 (EDT) on April 19. Joshua was discovered
missing from the research vessel Laurence M. Gould on
April 17. The ship was in routine transit from Palmer
Station, Antarctica to Punta Arenas, Chile.
An exhaustive search has been underway since it was determined
that Joshua was not onboard by the R/V Laurence M. Gould
crew and passengers. In addition, the search has been
augmented by a P3 aircraft flown by the Argentinean Air
Defense search and rescue force. There has been no sighting
of Joshua. The research vessel has begun slowly sailing
northward and personnel will continue to look enroute
parallel to their original course. The estimated time
of arrival at Punta Arenas, Chile, is early morning April
22.
Tom Yelvington, Vice President of Raytheon Technical
Services and Program Manager of Raytheon Polar Services
Company: "It is with tremendous sadness that I announce
the cessation of search operations for Joshua Spillane.
Our Polar Family, especially our Marine Science division,
has been shaken by this tragedy. To my knowledge, this
sort of incident has never occurred on a United States
Antarctic Program research vessel, and we will work diligently
to learn more about the circumstances of his disappearance.
All speak very highly of Joshua's expertise, experience,
jovial personality, and numerous contributions to the
United States Antarctic Program. Our thoughts and support
go out to his family and friends. Our appreciation and
thanks go out to all onboard the Gould, and the Chilean,
Argentine, and U.S. authorities for their assistance in
the search efforts."
-
USAP.gov
-
|
