NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard located Timothy Ragas and Joseph Parta near Pass Christian, Miss., Monday, Dec. 29, 2008.
The Coast Guard began the search yesterday, after being contacted by Ragas’ wife at approximately 1 p.m., stating that Ragas and Parta were due to return to Bay St. Louis at 5p.m. Sunday, after they got underway in their 24-foot oyster barge, from Buras, La.
Ragas was able to contact his wife by cell phone with their location and stated that the vessel had become disabled, but that they were safe and making way towards Bay St. Louis. Ragas’ wife notified the Coast Guard with the location of the men.
An HH-65C Dolphin rescue helicopter crew located the men near Pass Christian and confirmed their location and status.
