On the afternoon of [Feb. 8, an 80-year-old Natchitoches resident was rescued after his vehicle veered off Louisiana Highway 494 near Bermuda and submerged in Cane River. The incident occurred as the driver navigated a curve near Shell Beach; his 2018 Honda Accord exited the roadway, descended an embankment, and entered the river.
Local fishermen witnessed the accident and promptly intervened, rescuing the driver before the vehicle became fully submerged. They transported him to the Shell Beach Boat Launch, where Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS provided medical assistance. The driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was subsequently taken to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center for further evaluation.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO), Louisiana State Police, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Agents. A deputy assigned to Cane River patrols and the supervisor of the NPSO Dive Team also assisted. Louisiana State Police are leading the investigation into the crash.
The NPSO Dive Team arrived to coordinate the vehicle recovery, utilizing underwater lifting bags provided by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office. Divers reported water depths of approximately 10 to 12 feet. The vehicle was successfully recovered from the river by 5:45 PM.
Authorities advise motorists traveling through the area to exercise caution, reduce speed, and remain attentive, as recovery operations may continue for several hours. The affected area is located between Shell Beach Bridge and The Commissary.
The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office extends gratitude to the fishermen for their swift rescue efforts, as well as to the 911 callers, responding deputies, Louisiana State Police, and dive team members involved in the rescue and vehicle recovery operations.
For more details and images of the rescue, visit the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
