VERMILION BAY, La. (KLFY) -- Although the U.S. Coast Guard has called off the search for missing boater Brandon Boutte, the United Cajun Navy says there is still hope to bring him home.
The United Cajun Navy has stepped in to continue the search.
"We've had both boats and drones and aircraft in the search area off of the east to the west side of Marshall Island and moving to the west with the tides and currents," said Kevin LaFond, of United Cajun Navy.
Boutte and a friend were traveling on the Vermilion Bay over the weekend when the boat reportedly capsized.
The United States Coast Guard initially led search and rescue efforts, rescuing Boutte's friend, but called off their search on the next day. Boutte's family then reached out to the United Cajun Navy. LaFond said United Cajun Navy has since covered an additional eight to 10 miles of search area.
"The family gave us very good descriptions, good information, good story about how things happened that gave us the basis to be able to go out and plan our search areas. We've got some very experienced people that run those waters quite often and they know where to go and where things tend to go to," LaFond said.
While there is still no sign of Boutte, LaFond said the plan is to continue the search from sunup to sundown and, more importantly, not lose hope.
"We're coming off of a couple of successful search and rescue missions and we're hoping for the same outcome here. But nothing's guaranteed. And as the days go on, the odds do get longer," LaFond said.
"So, it's important that we cover a lot of ground today and we stay very closely in touch with the family so that they're not left wondering," LaFond continued.
