USCG rescues 17 by helicopter in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, La. (WALA) - Officials said the Coast Guard has rescued 17 people and two pets total by helicopter in the greater New Orleans area after the passing of Hurricane Isaac.

Coast Guard helicopters from New Orleans, Houston and Mobile, Ala., continue to fly the greater New Orleans area searching for signs of distress and giving assistance as needed.

Coast Guard aids to navigation crews are also assessing the ports and waterways affected by Hurricane Isaac. Officials said they will reopen waterways and resume port operations as soon as safely possible.

Coast Guard cutters are also en route to New Orleans to drop off food and water to those in need.

“We continue to work closely with our federal, state, local, and industry partners to ensure that we are effectively responding to the people in need,” said Rear Admiral Roy Nash, commander, Eighth Coast Guard District. “We are all in this together, and working together we will be successful.”