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Coast Guard rescues three men aboard a raft in Lake Pontchartrain

Posted at 9:45 PM, Feb 23, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-23 22:45:14-05

NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard rescued three men from a raft in Lake Pontchartrain today.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a report of three people aboard an inflatable raft who were unable to return to shore due to weather conditions.

The raft drifted approximately two miles from shore.

The men were said not to have been wearing life jackets and their phones’ batteries were dead.

Sector watchstanders sent out a crew from Coast Guard Station New Orleans to rescue the men.

The crew arrived on scene at 12:41 p.m. and recovered the three men. They were taken to shore at Pontchartrain State Park.

“We strongly urge boaters to wear life jackets and bring reliable communication devices aboard their vessels while on the water,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Bowen, a command duty officer at Coast Guard Sector New Orleans. “Boaters should also check weather forecasts and monitor river conditions to determine if it is safe to go out.”