SAD: Empty boat found on Lac des Allemands, authorities searching for owner

[booyagasha]

VACHERIE — An empty aluminum boat was found near Pleasure Bend on Lac des Allemands late this morning, and authorities are searching for the missing owner.

Wildlife and Fisheries Capt. Chuck Comeaux said the agency received a call at about 11:30 a.m. saying the empty 18-foot aluminum hull, believed to be a commercial crabbing vessel, was found. The boat was found in the water, turning in circles, authorities said.

Wildlife and Fisheries, the St. John Sheriff's Office and the Coast Guard are currently searching the waters to find the owner, believed to be a man in his mid-60s, said Coast Guard Petty Officer Bill Colclough.

Comeaux said he was not sure if the boat had crashed. The agency's boats are searching the waters, and helicopters are flying over Pleasure Bend.

“He may have been ejected from the boat or swam to a bank,” Comeaux said.

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