Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 recover personal effects from a submerged vehicle after carrying its occupants to safety outside of New Orleans, on Feb. 6, 2025. (Tiara Mickalowksi/U.S. Navy)
Navy Seabees rescued two elderly people from a submerged vehicle that crashed last week outside of New Orleans.
The Seabees were returning to Gulfport, Miss., on Feb. 6 following an exercise when they saw a submerged white SUV near the site of what was initially believed to be a two-car collision. A third vehicle, the white SUV, was found in waist deep mud and water, having plunged off the interstate.
Two elderly people were inside the vehicle.
“We spotted the car while stopped for a routine check and ran straight over,” said Thomas McLaughlin, a petty officer 2nd class who helped with the rescue. “The occupants were frightened but felt reassured when they saw us get into the water to help.”
After carrying the motorists to safety, the Seabees returned to the vehicle to retrieve personal belongings.
Petty Officer 1st Class Marcos Ramirez assessed all motorists involved in the three-car crash for injuries. Petty Officer 1st Class Andrew Warren coordinated with emergency services. When first responders arrived, they took over the scene.
The Seabees are assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11. The battalion is part of Naval Construction Group 2 and is homeported in Gulfport, Miss.
Seabees are responsible for providing military construction capabilities to include the building and repair of roads, bridges, bunkers, airfields, expeditionary medical facilities and logistics bases. They also provide military support for disaster preparation and recovery.
