Cajun Navy Flood Water Rescue Boat
I have proudly served in the Louisiana Guard for over 25 years and have worked every storm in our area from Katrina to now Harvey. Here in the South high water rescue has become an unfortunate event.
Last year when Baton Rouge flooded I teamed up with the Cajun Navy to successfully accomplish flood water rescues. With a borrowed boat and good friends we were able to rescue victims from Denham Springs, Hammond and St Amant. This year was no exception. When Harvey came knocking on Texas door we again had to search and borrowed a boat before loading up and heading out to rescue victims, loosing valuable precious time. From Houston, Port Aurthur, Beaumont, Orange and Vidor rescues were accomplished. From everyday residents to nursing homes our mission was a success. Lives were saved!
After talking to a good friend that builds custom boats about the shortcoming of most regular fishing and hunting boats on the market, it was obvious that a one of a kind rescue boat was needed. Southern Aluma-Werks has agreed to build the ultimate (SAFE) rescue boat at a deeply discounted price for us. Capable of carrying medical patients with the most delicate of medical needs to entire families of victims, the new boat will be a one of a kind rescue boat. This boat will have a specially designed roller system to get over dry ground, when other boats can't. It will also include custom lighting for night operations. A shallow draft of only 6 inches of water helps get this boat in the most adverse conditions. Custom seating with specially designed ballast system to ensure stability while loading and unloading flood victims and medical patients.
This boats solo purose in life will be to head to the worst of conditions to help those in need. It will also be available for use by local agencies if we are unavailable along with the Tangipahoa Swift Water Rescue Team when needed. With this Go Fund Me project the boat will be custom built to include motor electronics and trailer.
Also anyone donating to this project will recieve a newsletter each and every time it is used for rescue operations. You will also recieve updated pics and information as the project progresses.
Several questions I would like to answer:
If you ever sell the boat where do the proceeds go? They will be donated to a local charity that is directly involved in the most recent flood recovery.
How will the boat be used when not in use rescuing? Boat will be used for training, local fund raisers, sportsmans shows to raise awareness of flooding and civilian rescue efforts during disasters.
Why are you doing this is this just a way to get a personal boat paid for by others? My family owns a ski boat we use for family activities. This boat is a rescue boat for rescue operations and rescue awareness.
My affiliation with the Cajun Navy 2016 is strictly a person to respond at a moment's notice to save my neighbors in a time of need.
Thank you for your help, so we can help others.
http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/local-father-and-son-team-up-to-help-rescue-victims-of-harvey/469914154