PLAQUEMINES, La. - Authorities believe the worst for a 70-year-old who attempted to rescue two men after their boat broke down and winds from Tropical Storm Ida began to strengthen.
The Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office says after 70-year-old Leo Ancalade heard two fellow fishermen were stalled on the Mississippi River after their boat broke down while trying to bring it in for safe harbor, he decided to meet them so he could tow them in with his own fishing boat.
But as Ancalade rode out to their boat near Fort Jackson, the winds of Tropical Storm Ida became more fierce.
“And they were surprised that he showed up, because they told him not to come out there; it was dangerous,” said Capt. Robert Cosse, a spokesman with the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office. “But we always, we grew up helping one another.”
Cosse said when Ancalade tied the two boats together, a side wave sunk his boat and flipped him overboard. The Coast Guard – with helicopters and multiple units – has been searching for him ever since, though authorities now say he is presumed to be dead.
“We’re just wondering, you know,” said Nicole Phillips, a family friend. “It’s in God’s hands at this point.”
The Coast Guard rescued the two other boaters. Ancalade’s nephew, according to authorities, was hanging on the side of the boat when he was rescued.
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