NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard has suspended their search for a missing 21-year-old man in Lake Ponchartrain Thursday.
Missing is Ksanwy Chavez.
Watchstanders at 8th Coast Guard District Command Center received a call from a New Orleans Parish 911 operator Tuesday at 2:30 p.m., and reported a distressed swimmer in the vicinity of the University of New Orleans lakefront area.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans and a 29-foot response boatcrew from Coast Guard Station New Orleans began searching for Chavez. Multiple crews continued to search throughout the night.
Two 25-foot response boatcrews from Marine Safety and Security Team New Orleans joined the search for additional support Thursday, along with over flights from multiple MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crews. In total, Coast Guard crews searched for 27 hours and covered a 163-square-mile-area.
The New Orleans Police Department, New Orleans Fire Department and good samaritans also aided in the search.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Mr. Chavez,” Said Capt. Peter Gautier, commander, Sector New Orleans. “We have searched aggressively with boats and helicopters to locate Mr. Chavez and appreciate working with the New Orleans Police Department, Fire Department and local good Samaritans in this effort.”