On the first attempt to rescue a family of four from their damaged Port Fourchon home, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer was lowered from a Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin helicopter in an attempt to convince them to leave, but the family stayed!
Undeterred, the same crew made a return flight to the area and was successful in convincing two of the family members, an 8-month pregnant mother and her 4-year old son, to be rescued. The two were hoisted into the helicopter and transported to safety.
Coast Guard Lt. Roberto H. Torres, one of the pilots on this mission, was also one of the first to fly a rescue mission for Hurricane Katrina.
Video of this rescue is available. Contact the Public Affairs Office at (318) 473-2495 for information.
In a separate rescue in Dulac, La., an Army National Guard ground unit rescued a family after they were spotted by a Coast Guard aircrew.
The Coast Guard is also searching for two hunters who are lost near Thibodeaux, La.
All five Coast Guard HH-65 helicopters from Air Station New Orleans are currently conducting air operations.
The Coast Guard has increased its hurricane readiness posture and is working closely with local, state and other federal agencies to prepare for and respond to urgent search and rescue missions as hurricane Rita threatens the west coast of the Gulf of Mexico.