Coast Guard, local authorities assist boaters after vessel takes on water

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Heartland Contact: 8th District Public Affairs Office: (504) 671-2020 After Hours: (618) 225-9008 Eighth District online newsroom

Coast Guard, local authorities assist boaters after vessel takes on water

 

NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard and local authorities responded to a vessel taking on water on the lower Mississippi River near Pilottown, Louisiana, Saturday.

Coast Guard Sector New Orleans watchstanders received a notification from Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office at 4:55 a.m. of a 20-foot white center console with two people and a dog aboard grounded on the riverbank after taking on water.

Watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard Station Venice 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boatcrew at 5:05 a.m. The boatcrew arrived on scene at 5:35 a.m. to assist a Plaquemines Parish Marine Unit boatcrew in dewatering the vessel and discovered a 24-inch crack along the keel.

“We are thankful for the safe conclusion of this particular search and rescue case,” said Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Plummer, Sector New Orleans. “The Coast Guard reminds all mariners to take the necessary precautions of reviewing safety equipment and procedures, especially with the current heightened river stage.”

The Plaquemines Sheriff’s boatcrew took the vessel passenger and dog to the nearest pier while the owner remained on the riverbank waiting for Sea Tow to arrive to tow the vessel.

There were no reported injuries.

-USCG-