CG rescues duo/dog near SW pass

NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard rescued two people and a dog near the Southwest Pass of Vermillion Bay, La., in the morning of Feb. 17. Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a report at 8:40 a.m. of an overdue 19-foot aluminum vessel with two people and a dog aboard who departed for a fishing trip Feb. 16 between Vermillion Bay and the Southwest Pass. The CG launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew and a CG Aviation Training Center Mobile, Ala., HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Iberia Parish and Vermillion Bay Sherriff’s Department also launched air and surface asset crews to search. The Dolphin helicopter aircrew located the two people in a marsh area near the Southwest Pass of Vermillion Bay just west of Marsh Island at 4:23 p.m. The CG helicopter aircrew hoisted the two individuals and their dog at 4:23 p.m. and transported them to Acadiana Regional Airport. The individuals were reported in good health. (Source: Coast Guard 02/18/19)