Pascagoula mayor calls for additional marine patrol after rescue

Thursday morning, Pascagoula Mayor Dane Maxwell and other city officials were on a scheduled demonstration ride with Silver Ships, Inc. when they learned a nearby recreational vessel needed help. The crew was on Silver Ships' new fire and rescue boat.

The recreational vessel became grounded and was taking on water.

The Silver Ship, Pascagoula Police Department, three other recreational boats, and the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources all responded to the distressed vessel's call. The vessel was pumped out and taken under tow after refloating.

In response to the incident, Mayor Maxwell believes there's a need for additional marine patrol vessels/tools to address similar challenges on the water in the future.

"We are working with the City Council to explore ways of improving our police department's ability to respond to emergencies and contingencies, such as the incident this morning, which arise often," the Mayor said.

Members onboard the Silver Ships' boat included Mayor Dane Maxwell, Chief of Police Kenny Johnson, Marine Division Captain Shannon Massey and Marine Division Sergeant Curtis Morse, while Silver Ships was represented by longtime Logistics Manager Johnny Blackwell and Federal Contracts Manager Shawn Lobree.

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