US Coast Guard Cutter William Griesser beneath manner earlier than the casualty. (Photo: US Coast Guard)
Lt. Cmdr. Benjamin Williamsz was relieved of duties because the commanding officer of USCGC Winslow Griesser (WPC 1116), Feb.17. The Sentinel-class quick response cutter and the fishing vessel Desakata collided whereas underway off the coast of Dorado, Puerto Rico, on Aug. 8, 2022.
The Desakata was cleaved in two, and the 2 individuals on board went into the water. The cutter recovered each individuals: one had minor accidents, and the opposite was deceased. There was no air pollution reported and no Coast Guard personnel had been injured within the collision.
Rear Adm. Brendan C. McPherson, commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District, effected the aid resulting from a lack of confidence in Williamsz’s means to successfully command the cutter.
Williamsz had been administratively reassigned to shore obligation at Coast Guard Sector San Juan instantly following the collision. Lt. Cmdr. Catherine Gillen is answerable for the cutter to keep up operations till a everlasting commanding officer is assigned.
The Coast Guard continues to cooperate with an ongoing investigation led by the National Transportation Safety Board.
