Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents participated in a successful search and rescue mission on Jan. 18 in Evangeline Parish.

Agents were notified on the morning of Jan. 18 about an overturned vessel with four occupants in the water in Bayou Cocodrie. Agents immediately began searching Bayou Cocodrie for the four occupants in the water.

During the search, agents found a nearby hunter who said he could hear the people in the water screaming and he was able to put them in his vessel. With assistance from the hunter, agents and Emergency Medical Services paramedics were able to transport the four occupants to a nearby bank where they received treatment for hypothermia.

From there, two of the occupants were airlifted by an Acadian Air Med helicopter to the Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria. Agents and the paramedics then transported the other two occupants back to the boat launch where they were transferred to Pafford EMS ambulances and brought to the Rapides Regional Medical Center.

The four occupants were treated for hypothermia, released later that day and expected to make a full recovery.

The LDWF Enforcement Division will be the lead investigative agency for this boating incident. It is unknown at this time what caused the boat to overturn. None of the occupants were wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs).

At the time of the call, the air temperature was approximately 34 degrees Fahrenheit. PFDs are especially critical in cold-water situations and can be life-saving. During sudden cold-water immersion, the body reduces blood flow to the extremities in an effort to preserve heat around the heart and vital organs. As a result, motor skills rapidly deteriorate, making it increasingly difficult to remain afloat. Individuals may also experience difficulty speaking.

In the event of sudden cold-water immersion, individuals should immediately don a PFD if one is available. Efforts should be made to get as much of the body out of the water as quickly as possible, particularly the head, neck, and chest. Although the air temperature may feel cold, water transfers heat approximately 25 times faster than air. Boaters are encouraged to use any available means to exit the water, including swimming to shore or climbing onto an overturned vessel.

Boaters are also advised to dress appropriately for weather conditions. If an individual exits cold water, wet clothing should not be removed until near a heat source. When layered with additional clothing, wet garments can act as insulation and help retain body heat.