Hudson Valley Sailor Among Those Still Missing At Sea
The Hudson Valley is in shock after learning a sailor from the local area is among those still missing following an accident on the USS John McCain.
Corey George Ingram, 28, an Information Systems Technician 2nd Class from Poughkeepsie, is among the nine sailors still missing.
"He's a strong guy. He's very tough. I think this situation will put him through the test and he'll make it through," Ingram's younger brother Darren told NBC. "We're staying positive here and we are not going to let this situation get the best of us."
Ingram graduated from Poughkeepsie High School. According to his Facebook page, he began serving in the U.S. Navy in 2013.
"He's loyal. He would always definitely keep a smile on your face. He has a smile that could light up a room for days," family friend Dana Coker told the NY Daily News.
The USS John McCain collided with an oil tanker Monday near Singapore. Divers recovered the remains of one sailor, Aaron Smith from New Jersey. Nine others, including Ingram, are still missing.
“As the search continues, the Queen City sits with a heavy heart as we await the return of our hero, Corey George Ingram,” City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Corey’s family, friends, and fellow shipmates.”
The Navy announced on Thursday that they have suspended their search and rescue efforts after searching for over 80 hours over a span of around 2,100 square miles.
“This is heartbreaking,” Representative Sean Patrick Maloney said. “Petty Officer Ingram is an American hero and this tragedy is a reminder of the risks that our service members take every day to keep our country safe. I hope everyone in the Poughkeepsie area will join me in saying a prayer for him and the Ingram family.”
Rescue divers will continue to search inside the flooded compartments of the ship in hopes of finding the sailors.
“Our thoughts are prayers are with his parents, Hubert and Jacqueline, one of our own Dutchess County employees, and his friends and loved ones during this time,” Dutchess County Executive Mark Molinaro said. “We appreciate the brave men and women who are searching for Corey and his fellow sailors, and we pray they soon bring these American heroes home.”
The official cause of the accident is still under investigation.
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