Body of Louisiana barge worker pulled from Mississippi River

The body of a Louisiana barge worker was retrieved from the Mississippi River on Tuesday, after he fell into the water nearly three days prior.

Emergency responders from the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard and other local law enforcement agencies, recovered the body of the individual, whose name has been withheld pending notification of family.

The incident occurred on Saturday morning, when the barge worker was onboard a vessel, and had reportedly been attempting to adjust a towline that had become tangled. The man lost his balance and fell into the river, and, despite an extensive search, could not be located.

The search-and-rescue team combed the river for nearly three days, employing an array of sophisticated technology and advanced search techniques. The Coast Guard deployed a cutter, as well as an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, to the area, while the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office sent out divers and utilized sonar equipment.

The search-and-rescue team was eventually successful in locating the body of the barge worker and bringing it to the surface. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves throughout the region, as the individual had been a longtime employee of the company, and was well-known and well-liked. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.