Authorities in Baton Rouge are investigating a fatal boating incident on the Mississippi River that left one person dead Thursday near River Road and Farr Park.
According to officials, emergency crews were dispatched late Thursday morning after a distress call — believed to be a mayday signal — was reported from a small vessel in the area. The U.S. Coast Guard, Baton Rouge Fire Department, and EMS responded to the scene and began an extensive search and rescue operation along the river.
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After several hours, crews confirmed that one individual had drowned. The victim’s identity has not been released, pending notification of family members.
A Coast Guard spokesperson said investigators are working to determine what led to the distress call and whether anyone else was aboard the vessel. Authorities continued to comb the area throughout the afternoon, recovering debris and gathering information to piece together the events that led to the tragedy.
Traffic on River Road near Farr Park was briefly halted as first responders staged rescue boats and equipment along the riverbank.
Officials are using the incident to remind boaters about the importance of river safety, particularly as strong currents and high water levels remain a concern across southern Louisiana. They advise all boaters to ensure their vessels are properly equipped with life jackets, radios, and emergency gear before heading out.
“We’re working with local agencies to gather every detail about what happened,” a Coast Guard representative said. “We want to make sure similar tragedies are prevented in the future.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details will be released once next of kin are notified.