ST. CHARLES PARISH — Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents rescued two missing boaters in the LaBranch wetlands in St. Charles Parish on May 25.  Dave Fabres, 38, and Tracey Ingram, 33, both from Slidell, were rescued after being stranded over night in the marsh complex.

The boaters launched their 17-foot surface drive vessel to explore the LaBranch Marsh.  During their trip, they missed a turn and their vessel became beached in the marsh.  The boaters were unable to free the vessel and were forced to spend the night in the marsh.

On Sunday, May 25, agents were notified of the two missing individuals.  With the aid of LDWF aircraft, agents were able to locate Fabres and Ingram.  Agents, along with the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Deputies launched an airboat allowing them to reach and free the stranded boaters.

Agents involved in the rescue operation were Lt. Robert Martin, Sgt. James Gregoire, Sgt. Adam Young, Senior Agent Derek Sampey, Agent Doug Danna, and Pilot Gene Rackel.