St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith advises that over the last 10-day reporting period, the Marine Section of the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office responded to the following incidents:

 

Rescue Mission:  October 26, 2019, 5:50 am, Atchafalaya River Bay

Deputies with the Marine Section were contacted by dispatch in reference to a sinking vessel in the Atchafalaya Bay. Dispatch advised that three people were aboard the vessel and were in need of assistance.

Deputies made contact with the boater by phone and learned that the vessel had gone down in 10 ft. seas and was on the bottom with the structure still above the water level. The boater provided deputies with information as to his location.

The deputies contacted the U.S. Coast Guard Station in New Orleans and learned that they had been made aware and had dispatched a rescue helicopter to assist.

Deputies launched the SMPSO Marine Patrol Vessel and traveled towards the location. Upon further observation, the deputies contacted the USCG and advised that due to the current sea condition and attitude of the vessel, it would be advisable for the helicopter to recover the victims and airlift them to the Patterson Airport. The SMPSO vessel continued to travel toward the location until advised by the USCG that the victims were safe aboard the aircraft.

 

 

Rescue Mission:  October 26, 2019, 5:13 pm, Atchafalaya River- Crew Boat Cut.

Deputies with the Marine Section were contacted by dispatch in reference to vessel taking on water in the Atchafalaya River. Dispatch advised that two people were aboard the vessel and were in need of assistance.

Deputies made contact with the boater by phone and learned that once the boater realized his vessel was taking on water, he ran it aground on the east bank of the Crew Boat Cut. The boater said that he and his passenger were safe but stranded.

Deputies launched the SMPSO Marine Patrol Vessel and traveled to the location. Upon arrival, the deputies observed the two subjects and made contact with them.  They instructed them to put on life vests and helped them aboard the patrol vessel. The subjects were transported back to the Berwick Boat Landing and said they would retrieve the vessel on the next day.

The deputies contacted the USCG and advised them of the situation and location of the stricken vessel.

 

Public Information Officer

St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office

985-384-1622

pio@stmaryso.com

http://www.stmaryso.com/