Three People Missing After Mississippi River Vessel Collision Near Destrehan, LA
- Arnold & Itkin
Three people are missing after two vessels collided Sunday morning on the Mississippi River in Destrehan, Louisiana. The Coast Guard reported that the incident occurred around 5:30 a.m near mile marker 123. While one person was rescued from the water, a search-and-rescue mission is currently underway for the three missing people. Officials have deployed a response boat as well as a helicopter to search for the missing individuals. The Coast Guard is also receiving assistance from St. Charles Parish Emergency Operations.
Details About the Mississippi River Accident
The condition of the rescued individual has not yet been released. According to NOLA.com, Samuel Coates was working at a Valero gas station near the river around the time of the incident. He saw an ambulance rush down the street to the scene of the accident.
“I heard the currents are pretty strong lately,” Coates said. “I guess it got too strong, and [a towing vessel] broke loose.”
Coast Guard Petty Officer Sydney Pheonix said that one of the vessels sank and the other was severely damaged. Early reports indicate that both vessels involved with the accident are towing boats.
Details for this incident are still emerging and we’ll continue to follow this story as more are revealed.