Port of San Diego Offers Condolences Following Tragedy at Star of India

Monday, 19 July 2010
Contact: Barbara Moreno (619) 686-6216

The Port of San Diego and the Maritime Museum of San Diego are mourning the loss of a volunteer worker who fell from the rigging of the Star of India, sustaining fatal injuries.

The incident happened Sunday, July 18, 2010, at approximately 10 a.m. The victim, Greg Gushaw, 68, was a crewmember and volunteer for the Star of India for 10 years.

Witnesses said Gushaw had been working on the third yard of the forward mast during routine training activities when he fell. He struck a portion of the ship, then fell into the bay. Upon falling into the water, the response by shipmates as well as local agencies was immediate.

Two vessels and two patrol units from the Port's Harbor Police Department, members of the San Diego Police Department, along with emergency medical personnel, responded to the scene. Gushaw was pulled from the water and life-saving procedures were initiated.

Unfortunately, Gushaw died from his injuries.

"Mr. Gushaw was a valued docent for the museum, a trained crew member as well as a board trustee, and will be missed by all who knew him," said Robyn Gallant, Marketing Director for the museum. "The Gushaw Family has requested we do not release photos of Greg and we are respecting their wishes."

A team of crisis counselors was dispatched to the Star of India to help co-workers cope with the grief and shock, following the tragedy.

Investigations are being conducted by the Harbor Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, the San Diego County Medical Examiner, as well as the Maritime Museum.

"All of us at the Port send our condolences to Greg's family and all who work at the San Diego Maritime Museum," said Port President/CEO Charles D. Wurster.

The Star of India was built in 1863 and is the oldest active sailing ship in the world. She is maintained by a crew of volunteers. She made headlines in September 2009, after undergoing three weeks of maintenance in September 2009.

The Maritime Museum is a tenant and partner of the Port of San Diego.

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