Pilot missing after falling overboard in Delaware Bay, U.S.

[Magogman]

The U.S. Coast Guard has called off a 14 hour search for a missing pilot who fell off the ship he was to pilot on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007. Missing is Lynn Deibert, 52, a pilot with the Chesapeake Federal Pilots Association.  His home of record is Virginia Beach, Virginia.  Deibert fell while ascending the ladder of the Energy Enterprise, a 645 foot ship bound for Baltimore, Maryland about two miles off the coast of Cape Heniopen at the mouth of Delaware Bay.  He was delivered to the ship by the pilot vessel Big Stone 5.  Witnesses say Deibert was wearing a flotation device and was thrown life rings but he was never spotted again.

Weather conditions at the time of the accident were reported as a wind of 20-25 knots, six foot seas, clear visibility, and below freezing air temperature with 39 degree F water temperature.

The U.S. Coast Guard responded with an HH -65C Dolphin helicopter, a 47 foot and 41 foot rescue boat and the USCG cutter Dependable.  Aditional helicopter sorties were flown and at sunrise a USCG HC-130 aircraft joined the search.
The search was terminated about 2:20pm EST on Monday, February 5 after 14 hours.

The Energy Enterprise continued enroute to Baltimore where USCG will inspect the ship and interview the crew.  The Big Stone 5 is enroute to Lewes, Delaware for inspection.

[chasd147]

Hopefully Mercy was quick.  Near buoy 44009.  Extensive search, no results. With 2m waves and 15C water, he did not suffer long. The ocean owns us, forever.

[Matt Ruscher]

Thanks for sharing this grim story. Energy Enterprise was enroute from Providence to Baltimore at the time to load coal for Brayton Point off Fall River,MA.

[T.Richard]

What a story !, Unfortunately it happens too many times !!!
It reminds me how dangerous the job can be and to be very careful every time I board a ship.

My thought goes to the family of the poor seaman !
Regards
Thalassa
Marine Pilot

[Brian Maniglia]

Thanks for sharing this sad information. Its a shame to hear things like this, especially local to me. And to think thats what I want to do! Any search continuing to find the body?

Brian

[Tore Lundgren]

A sad story indeed. I

[Geert van Kesteren]

As a retired RiverScheldt Pilot in Holland I bring my sincere condolances to Family and also to Chesapeake Pilots Association.
In my 31 year carreer I ,luckely, met "only" five of these cases.
Often these things still happen as a result of bad pilotladders = material; non-seamanship of crewmembers and not working according to IMPA and (EMPA)-regulations.

Sad Story!!!
(Unless the above story;piloting ships is/and stays a wonderfull and very responsable job!!)

Geert(Zappa)