Story by U.S. Coast Guard,
8th District Public Affairs

JSHELL BEACH, LA - The Coast Guard located a 60-year-old man Thursday after he was reported overdue about 40 miles east of Shell Beach, La.

Peter Agnelly was reported overdue to the Coast Guard at around 8:30 p.m. Thursday by Kenny Campo of Campo Marina.

An HH-65 Dolphin helicopter rescue crew from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans was dispatched to a fishing area frequently used by Agnelly.  Minutes after arriving on scene, the rescue crew noticed a boat flashing its lights.  After the rescue crew confirmed the location and identity of the boat, a good Samaritan was directed to the scene and rendered assistance.

With poor weather forecasted, Agnelly would have been extremely difficult to locate, even with the aid of night vision technology.  Agnelly had the foresight to conserve his battery power in order to signal the rescue crew.

The Coast Guard recommends all boaters take the following actions prior to leaving the dock:

• File a "float plan" with a friend or relative (you can find one online at www.floatplancentral.org)

• Always wear a lifejacket

• Carry a signal kit (flares, strobe light, whistle, etc.)