Search and rescue crews found two overdue boaters alive this morning, Feb. 7, near the Lafitte area.

A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) seaplane spotted the overdue boaters waving their arms with their boat tied up to a camp around 9 a.m. The seaplane called in the location for rescue crews on the water in boats to respond. The rescue crews were then able to escort the missing boaters back to Joe’s landing in Lafitte. The missing boaters were in good health when found.

Search crews from LDWF, U.S. Coast Guard, and the Lafourche, Jefferson and St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Offices participated in the search for the missing boaters.

The search crews received word at 8 p.m. on Feb. 6 about a grandfather and grandson who did not return home from a boating trip. According to the family, the 72-year-old grandfather and 15-year-old grandson both from Gretna departed Joe’s landing at 7 a.m.

The rescue crews searched throughout the night for the two missing boaters until they were found about seven miles from Joe’s landing.

According to the grandfather, they were trying to get back to the landing, but became disoriented when it got too dark and they decided to find a place to tie their 19 foot boat up to for the night.

Logo courtesy Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries