1 dead after tugboat sinks in Houston Ship Channel

The body of a crewman has been recovered after a 56-foot tugboat sank in the Houston Ship Channel and spilled hundreds of gallons of diesel fuel.

Coast Guard spokesman Petty Officer Prentice Danner says a stretch of channel near the Sims Bayou turning basin remained closed Friday during operations to recover the tug.

Danner says the J.R. Nichols sank Wednesday night with five men on board. Four were rescued from the water and treated for hypothermia.

The body of the fifth crewmember was recovered Thursday. His name was not immediately released.

Danner says the investigation continues into what caused the sinking of the tug operated by Kinder Morgan.

Danner says as much as 1,000 gallons spilled, but the Coast Guard will not know the total until crews are "able to get the boat righted." Barriers contained the spill.