07-24-2004, 04:00 AM
[font "Arial"]Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents rescued a Breaux Bridge man and his nephew after a near fatal jet ski incident on July 3 in St. Martin Parish. [/font]
John Chaisson, 47 and his nephew, Gage Landry, both of Breaux Bridge were enjoying the Fourth of July festivities on Henderson Bay when Gage and a jet ski he was operating were caught by strong currents against a pontoon bridge after the engine stalled. Cables under the bridge entangled the jet ski and Chaisson swam out to help. The strong current prevented him from freeing the boy, and Chaisson soon became exhausted from fighting the swift current.
When agents arrived, they saw Chaisson in the water clinging to the bridge and the jet ski. On their third attempt, they were able to maneuver their patrol boat into a position to rescue both, despite the extremely hazardous conditions. The agents were also able to recover the personal watercraft.
Agents participating in the rescue were Lieutenant Darryl Moore and Senior Agent Brian Theriot.
For more information contact Maj. Keith LaCaze at 225/ 765-2469
[url "mialto:klacaze@wlf.louisiana.gov"]klacaze@wlf.louisiana.gov
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John Chaisson, 47 and his nephew, Gage Landry, both of Breaux Bridge were enjoying the Fourth of July festivities on Henderson Bay when Gage and a jet ski he was operating were caught by strong currents against a pontoon bridge after the engine stalled. Cables under the bridge entangled the jet ski and Chaisson swam out to help. The strong current prevented him from freeing the boy, and Chaisson soon became exhausted from fighting the swift current.
When agents arrived, they saw Chaisson in the water clinging to the bridge and the jet ski. On their third attempt, they were able to maneuver their patrol boat into a position to rescue both, despite the extremely hazardous conditions. The agents were also able to recover the personal watercraft.
Agents participating in the rescue were Lieutenant Darryl Moore and Senior Agent Brian Theriot.
For more information contact Maj. Keith LaCaze at 225/ 765-2469
[url "mialto:klacaze@wlf.louisiana.gov"]klacaze@wlf.louisiana.gov
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