Following an intensive search that began late last month, the St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Office, in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, successfully recovered the body of a missing boater from Banister Canal.
Identified as 38-year-old Seth A. Falcon of Pierre Part, Falcon's body was located and retrieved from the canal around 9 a.m. on February 28. A nearby commercial fisherman had previously discovered an empty 18-foot aluminum vessel on February 25 and alerted the authorities, who began their search soon after. Evidence suggested that the boat had struck a pylon, likely causing Falcon to be ejected into the water, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reported.
The investigation started when LDWF enforcement agents were notified at 8 a.m. last Tuesday about a missing person. Falcon had last been in contact around 3 p.m. last Monday, when he left for a fishing trip with his dog. The dog was later found safe on a platform near the boating accident and has been returned to Falcon's family.
Multiple agencies joined forces in the search for Falcon, with deputies from St. Mary, Assumption, and St. Martin parishes all contributing to the efforts. Falcon was discovered not wearing a personal flotation device at the time of his recovery, a grim reminder of boating safety protocols. The LDWF Enforcement Division is continuing its investigation as the lead agency in this case. The St. Martin Parish Coroner’s Office has taken custody of the body to determine the official cause of death, as stated by official reports.
