The commander of the Puerto Rico-based Coast Guard cutter Winslow Griesser was formally relieved of duty Friday, as an investigation continues into the cutter’s August 2022 collision with a fishing vessel.
Lt. Cmdr. Benjamin Williamsz was relieved by Rear Adm. Brendan C. McPherson, commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District based in Miami, “due to a loss of confidence in Williamsz’s ability to effectively command the cutter,” according to a Coast Guard statement. Lt. Cmdr. Catherine Gillen is in command of the cutter to maintain operations until a permanent commanding officer is assigned.
The Winslow Griesser, a 154-foot Fast Response Cutter, and the 23-foot fishing vessel Desakata collided while underway off the coast of Dorado, Puerto Rico, Aug. 8, resulting in the death fisherman Carlos Rosario and injuries to his brother Samuel Rosario Beltrán, and the loss of the Desakata. None of the Griesser’s crew were injured in the collision.
Coast Guard officials say they are continuing to cooperate with the ongoing investigation, led by the National Transportation Safety Board.
On the day of the collision, watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector San Juan were notified of the incident by the cutter crew at around 2:19 p.m., and directed the launch of a 45-foot response boat crew from Station San Juan.
The San Juan boat located the damaged fishing vessel at the scene, while the Griesser transported the fishermen to Coast Guard Base San Juan for transfer to awaiting emergency medical services.
