Our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Capt. Adams.
From The Corpus Christi Caller Times:
The Coast Guard is investigating whether a ship’s failed gangway fastening played a role in the death Saturday of an experienced harbor pilot.Capt. Adams is seen in a Aransas-Corpus Christi Pilots Association photo boarding a ship. Tragically, the experienced pilot died on Saturday after a gangway gave way while boarding.
Capt. Robert Louis Adams, 65, started as a deputy pilot for the Aransas-Corpus Christi Pilots Association in August 1989 and became a full pilot two years later.
A spokesman for the Aransas-Corpus Christi Pilots Association said Adams was climbing aboard a ship when its gangway collapsed. He fell about 20 feet and landed in the water.
“He was reportedly about one step away when the whole thing collapsed,” de la Garza said.
Port Commissioner Wes Hoskins said it took about 45 minutes for rescuers to get to Adams; they had to cut through fencing to reach him.
Adams leaves behind a wife, Karen Adams, and two children, Robert Adams and Elizabeth Spivey.
