THE VESSEL OPERATOR 1 WAS LAST SEEN IN WAS FOUND ADRIFT IN THE VARATARIA WATERWAY NEAR CHANNEL MARKER #8.  THE VESSEL WAS UNOCCUPIED WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND IN THE UP POSITION. THE ALUMINUM CONSULE WAS IN THE WATER AND WAS ATTACHED TO THE VESSEL ONLY BY THE STEERING CABLE.  OPERATOR 1 WAS LAST SEEN IN THE VESSEL AT APPROXIMATELY 12 NOON.  THE VESSEL WAS FOUND UNOCCUPIED AT APPROXIMATELY 12:30 P.M.  THE INVESTIGATION IS ONGOING. THE SEARCH FOR OPERATOR 1 WILL CONTINUE ON 09/28/09.
LAFITTE                       