NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) arrested a boater Sept. 16 near Venice, La., who allegedly fired a weapon at a CG rescue helicopter. The CG initially received a distress signal early on Sept. 15 from an activated emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) belonging to a 40-foot sailing vessel about 75 miles south of Southwest Pass, La. The CG launched an MH-60 helicopter aircrew to respond. Upon arriving, the helo attempted to lower a radio to the vessel and observed a person and two dogs aboard. The person then pointed what appeared to be a firearm at the aircrew. The aircrew heard objects striking the aircraft and departed due to safety concerns. Upon returning to CG Air Station New Orleans, the aircrew observed impacts to the helicopter rotors consistent with projectiles. Later, the CG launched a fixed-wing aircraft, a cutter with CGIS and FBI agents aboard, and a 45-foot Response Boat- Medium boatcrew to track the vessel’s movement. Additionally, CG units remained in the area to ensure protection of nearby mariners. On the morning of Sept. 16, the CG took the person into custody without incident. The person was transported to Venice, La., and transferred to CGIS custody. The incident remains under investigation. (Coast Guard 09/17/22)
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