Nine people, including a 7-year-old girl, were rescued after their boat capsized, close to the beach of Grand Isle, Louisiana.
On Saturday, around 6:40 p.m., Sgt. Stephen Rhodes was working in Jefferson Parish when he saw a boat struggling. It was attempting to leave the rock jetties.
Rhodes got the attention of someone who was passing by and was then transported in an ATV to his truck. There, Rhodes obtained his patrol vessel. He then went out to the capsized boat with the vessel.
When Rhodes got to the scene, he discovered eight people on the boat’s hull. He then put most of them onto his boat.
He then learned that a 7-year-old girl was in the water. Rhodes went in, located the unconscious girl, and took her to his boat. He then performed CPR, and the child was revived.
Those who were rescued were transported to the Bridgeside Marina where they received medical treatment from paramedics. After the child’s condition was stabilized, she was airlifted to the Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.
The girl is expected to recover completely.
“We are extremely proud of the actions of Sgt. Rhodes. He did an exceptional job of using good judgement and his training to help save the life of this young girl and the others…,” said a spokesperson for the Louisiana Department Of Wildlife and Fisheries.
