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Coast Guard and local authorities assist boaters and dog

Posted at 8:37 PM, Jan 19, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-19 21:39:37-05

NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard and local authorities responded to a boat taking on water on the Lower Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish.

Coast Guard Sector New Orleans watchstanders received a notification from the parish’s sheriff’s office at 4:55 a.m. about two people and a dog aboard a 20-foot white center console that was struck 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 boat crew in dewatering the boat 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 boat crew took the boat passenger and dog to the nearest pier while the owner remained on the riverbank to wait for Sea Tow.

There were no reported injuries.