Story by Craig Nyhus, Lone Star Outdoor News
Theophile Bourgeois, who has guided many Texas anglers to the waters in Chandeleur Sound, died when the seaplane from Bourgeois Fishing Charters crashed Aug. 18 about 25 miles west of the Chandeleur Islands.
The Coast Guard recovered three people in the water after the crash. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New Orleans had received a report that Bourgeois Fishing Charters had lost communications with one of its seaplanes that had three passengers aboard.
The Coast Guard aircrew recovered two of the people from the water and transported them to University Medical Center in New Orleans. A helicopter aircrew later rescued the third passenger.
Based out of Barataria, Bourgeois Fishing Charters is known for flying fishemen to the Louisiana barrier islands. The company was founded in 1992 by Bourgeois and offered overnight and day-fishing trips. The service had two seaplanes to carry customers to the islands.
