Fort Gibson family says son safe aboard USS Cole

(Fort Gibson-AP) -- A Fort Gibson native who was on board the U-S-S Cole when it was attacked is said to be safe. <br><br>Billy Don Dempsey's parents say their son has called them twice since last

Tuesday, October 17th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Fort Gibson-AP) -- A Fort Gibson native who was on board the U-S-S Cole when it was attacked is said to be safe.

Billy Don Dempsey's parents say their son has called them twice since last Thursday's attack that killed 17 American sailors.

Wayne and Linda Dempsey say their son was on the deck of the U-S warship at the time of the apparent suicide bombing, and was blown backward about 30 feet.

Billy Don Dempsey was not badly injured and has since helped clean up the destroyed area of the still listing ship.

Wayne Dempsey says his son told him the Navy plans to make the ship seaworthy, then return it to port at Norfolk, Virginia.