CG to memorialize crew of Adler

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit will hold a memorial service in Baton Rouge, La., on Dec. 7 to honor 17 crewmembers who perished on the CG Cutter White Adler that sank 50 years ago on the Mississippi River. The Adler was homeported in New Orleans from 1947-68. Fifty years ago, at 6:29 p.m. on Dec. 7, 1968, the down-river bound White Alder and the up-river bound 455-foot Taiwanese freighter Helena collided in the Mississippi River at mile marker 195.3 near White Castle, La. The Alder sank in 75 feet of water. Three of the 20 crew were rescued. Seventeen perished. The memorial will be at 11 a.m. from The Estuary at the Water Campus on River Road in Baton Rouge. (Source: Coast Guard 12/05/18)