The body of a mariner who fell into the Mississippi River on Sunday has been recovered by a good samaritan in Louisiana, the Coast Guard said.
According to Coast Guard reports, Capt. Ambarish Parekh fell into the Lower Mississippi River Sunday morning near mile marker 179 while attempting to board the Bahamian-flagged bulk carrier African Raptor from a crew boat. Parkekh, who was wearing a personal flotation device, fell off a ramp connecting the two vessels, witnesses said.
The African Raptor is owned by MUR Shipping Holdings B.V., which is owned by Macsteel International Holdings B.V., a joint venture between ArcelorMittal South Africa Ltd. and Macsteel Global S.A.R.L B.V. Macsteel is a global trading and distribution organization, while ArcelorMittal is multi-national steel manufacturing corporation headquartered in Luxembourg.
Capt. Ambarish Parekh. Maritech Commercial Inc. photo.
Parekh, a 69-year-old resident of LaPlace, La. was employed as a senior surveyor by Maritech Commercial Inc., which lists on its website U.S. offices in New Orleans, Houston, Tampa, and Baltimore.
The Coast Guard and law enforcement partners said they searched 223 sq. mi. from mile marker 180 to the Crescent City Connection bridge in New Orleans for Parekh. The search was suspended Monday evening.
A good samaritan recovered Parekh’s body on Tuesday, the Coast Guard said in a statement, turning it over to the Ascension Parish sheriff’s office near Donaldsonville, La.
