Locals help with Houston rescues

A group of area Cajun outdoorsmen gathered Monday at 6 a.m. at Pilot’s Truck Stop off I-10 here, their pickups loaded with gear and supplies and towing fishing/hunting boats of various sizes and descriptions.
Organized by local alligator hunter Jude Mequet, the group headed to Houston to assist in the rescue of stranded victims of the flooding rains generated by Hurrican Harvey that hovered over the metropolitan area through most of Monday.
Among those joining Mequet were Scott Toups, Jeremy Brasseaux, Miles Foster, Joshua Judice, Jordy Vidrine, Dexter Dugas, Walter Rodgers, Bartley Latiolais and Paul Brasseaux.
Mequet reports that they arrived on the east side of Houston around 11:30 a.m. and immediately launched their boats from the interstate and began rescuing residents from a two-story residential complex.
The water ranged from chest deep to as much as 15 feet in some areas.
Because of reports of shots being fired in the vicinity, possibly at those helping with rescue operations, Mequet’s group was escorted by Coast Guard helicopters hovering overhead which told them which areas to avoid.
Mequet estimates his group rescued more than 100 Houston residents. “The hardest part was separating family members when we ran short of room in the boat,” says Mequet. “We rescued children, adults, the elderly, some in wheelchairs, and pets.”
The group stayed until 5:30 p.m. before returning home late Monday night. “It was the first time we had been involved in rescuing people,” says Mequet. “It was an educational/learning experience. “I am thankful for the help from the guys who volunteered with me on this adventure.”
Mequet and his friends worked independently from other Lousiana volunteers who went to Texas as part of a group dubbed the Cajun Navy.
For now Mequet is standing by in case help is needed in the Lake Charles, Cameron area.