3 missing after cargo ship overturns in port
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The Dutch cargo ship rests on its side in the Hudson River.
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ALBANY, New York (AP) -- Three crew members of a Dutch cargo ship were missing after the ship turned on its side in the Hudson River when its load of steel turbines apparently shifted, officials said.
The ship had loaded 661 tons of turbines bound for Italy and Romania when the ship turned partly on its side Tuesday, throwing eight of the 18 crew members into the partially frozen river.
All eight were pulled out, but two were hospitalized for hypothermia. Seven others were rescued from the ship, some by helicopter.
Based on interviews with other crew members, authorities believe the three missing men are in the hull of the ship, said Detective James Miller of the Albany police. But he said it's also possible they're in the river. Temperatures in the area were in the 20s overnight.
The 289-foot ship remained on its side hours after it tipped over, tethered to the dock at a sharp angle.
The ship's owner, Jumbo Shipping Co., hired salvage divers who used a small boat Wednesday morning to see if the ship was stable. Once that was determined, divers from the Albany police and fire departments were to be sent into the water to resume the search, Miller said.
As the ship started taking on water Tuesday night, the divers had been pulled from the river for their safety, authorities said.
A listening device was being used to detect any sounds or movement in the ship. The Coast Guard took over the investigation and had closed off a mile-long stretch of the river around the vessel.
The ship is a Stellamare, part of a fleet of 11 heavy-lift vessels ships belonging to Netherlands-based Jumbo Shipping. Jumbo officials said the crew was Russian.
One crew member listed in critical condition was upgraded to serious at a hospital Tuesday night. Another was in fair condition.
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