Toledo Bend Lake, LA (May 29, 2024) – In a tragic turn of events, a fishing barge capsized in the Pirates Cove area of Toledo Bend Lake shortly before noon on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
The incident was reported to the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office (SPSO), which immediately coordinated a multi-agency response.
According to initial reports, six individuals were aboard the barge when it overturned. While four of the passengers managed to swim to safety, two others tragically drowned. The bodies of the two victims were subsequently located and recovered by rescue teams.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries (LDWF) has taken the lead in investigating the incident. As of now, details regarding the cause of the capsizing are yet to be released. The LDWF is expected to provide more information as the investigation progresses.
The recovery efforts involved a coordinated response from multiple agencies. Personnel from the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, LDWF Agents, North Sabine Fire District, South Sabine Fire District, and Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office were all on the scene to assist in the search and recovery operations.
The identities of the victims have not yet been released pending notification of their families. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with boating and the critical importance of safety measures while on the water.
As the Sabine Parish community comes to grips with this loss, local authorities are urging all boaters to exercise caution and ensure that safety equipment is used at all times to prevent such tragedies in the future.
