CG rescues 6 from Atchafalya

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard rescued six people from grounded vessels in Atchafalaya Bay, La., on Jan. 8. CG watchstanders received a report of a 17-foot johnboat with three people aboard that was taking on water in Atchafalaya Bay. Watchstanders directed an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans to assist. Two Good Samaritan vessels attempted to assist the johnboat and also became grounded. The MH-65 arrived and hoisted six people from the grounded vessels in multiple round trips; and delivered them to Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport in Patterson, La., to be assessed by emergency medical services. (Source: Coast Guard 01/08/17)