SARASOTA, Fla. - The Coast Guard is investigating two deaths that occurred today aboard the 564-foot, Liberian-flagged motor vessel Sol Do Brasil.

The Coast Guard received a call at 11:43 a.m. today from Port Manatee reporting that two crewmembers from Sol Do Brasil were found deceased at about 11 a.m. in the #1 cargo hold.  Identities of the deceased are being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.

The captain of the vessel reportedly ordered a search for both crewmembers after they failed to show up at a crew muster earlier this morning.  The search resulted in locating both crewmembers in an enclosed space on the ship.

Crewmembers donned safety gear which included self-contained breathing devices, entered the space, retrieved both victims and immediately performed CPR.  Unfortunately their efforts were unsuccessful in reviving the victims.

The Coast Guard, in cooperation with the ship's owner, the Manatee Port Authority and the Liberian-flag state administration, is investigating to determine the cause of this unfortunate accident and to prevent recurrences.

"Our sincere condolences go out to the family of the two crewmembers who were involved in this unfortunate incident," said Capt. Joseph Servidio, Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg Commander.  "We also share our sympathy with the vessel's crewmembers and company."

Local Emergency Medical Services transported both crewmembers to the Manatee County Coroner's office.

As in all investigations of these types, the Coast Guard directed that the entire crew submit to drug and alcohol testing.  The investigation remains on going.

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The U.S. Coast Guard is a military, maritime, multi-mission service within the
Department of Homeland Security dedicated to protecting the safety and security of America.