Body Of Fisherman From Toledo Bend Drowning Recovered
Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office reports they have recovered the body of the second fisherman who went missing after a fishing trip in Toledo Bend Reservoir. Marvin Parsons of Lafayette and George Diboll of Oakdale were reported missing after the two men failed to return from fishing on Friday, March 11.
The authorities report the body of Marvin Parsons was recovered late Monday afternoon near Holly Park Marina, located near Carters Ferry Road. Parsons was found miles away from where his boat and the body of Diboll were discovered in the lake near Milam, Texas.
Sabine Sheriff’s deputies, Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries agents, and volunteers began to search for the two men shortly after their disappearance was reported around 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 12. The starting point of their search began from Solan’s Camp boat launch at the end of LA Highway 482 in the Ebarb community. Diboll’s body was found at 8 p.m. Saturday a few hours after the search got underway, between a boat lane and the shore.
The search for Parsons continued Sunday, March 13 with assistance from a Fort Polk pilot and his Black Hawk helicopter. Late into the night a United Cajun Navy volunteer located and marked the location of the fishermen’s 18-foot aluminum boat. According to Sabine Parish Sheriffs' report, it was 17 feet underwater between an island and a boat lane.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries has launched an investigation into the matter. Meanwhile, as part of standard procedure, autopsies will be conducted on both bodies to determine the exact cause of death. The Sheriff’s Department issued condolences on the Facebook page with the caption,
“Sheriff Mitchell extends his thoughts and prayers to the victims’ family and friends. Sheriff Mitchell also expresses his extreme gratitude to everyone who was involved in the search and recovery efforts.”
Sadly, this is the second fishing tragedy at Toledo Bend to take place in 7 days. Saturday, March 5 two other fishermen were involved in a boating accident that resulted in one of them drowning. Sabine Parish Sheriff's department said high winds and rough waves were to blame.
Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office said 52-year-old Alfred Jackson drowned after his boat capsized while fishing with a friend. His wife Ginger Jackson told KPLC Alfred was with his best friend of more than 30-years at the time of the boating accident. He was an avid fisherman and the two friends were headed to a fishing tournament. His loss is a devastating blow to her and his family.
Rescue efforts went on for hours after the incident was reported, The authorities were able to save Jackson's friend, who was found clinging to a tree stump. It's unclear if any of the drowning victims were wearing life jackets, but Mrs. Jackson raised a good point about safety concerning local fishing tournaments. She said “I just think that they should have their safety first, in an event like this, a fishing tournament,” she added. “They should already have people there in case something happens. It shouldn’t have taken them two and a half hours to get to them with a helicopter.”
Let these tragic events be evidence that water safety is a must, regardless of a person's swimming or fishing abilities. We wish the Jacksons and the family and friends of all the victims our prayers and deepest condolences.