Community Mourns the Loss of Sang Nguyen, 86, After Tragic Boating Accident

Community Mourns the Loss of Sang Nguyen, 86, After Tragic Boating Accident

VENICE, LA —With heavy hearts, the Baton Rouge and Venice communities are mourning the tragic death of Sang Nguyen, an 86-year-old husband, father, and grandfather who lost his life during a fishing trip on June 21, 2025. After days of intense searching by family and rescue crews, Nguyen’s body was recovered near the accident site on June 24, bringing a heartbreaking end to a story that has shaken all who knew him.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the accident occurred near mile marker four in Venice, Louisiana, when a 21-foot fishing boat struck a submerged object while returning from an overnight trip. The impact caused the vessel to lurch violently, throwing Sang Nguyen and his son overboard. A third family member — Sang’s brother — was asleep in the boat at the time and woke to find them missing. He managed to turn the boat around and rescue Nguyen’s son, but tragically, Sang could not be saved.

The Coast Guard launched an extensive search, deploying rescue boats and a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station New Orleans. For three days, crews scoured the water and surrounding area, fighting against strong currents, rising river levels, and challenging weather. Despite their efforts, Nguyen remained missing, and the official search was suspended on June 24.

Refusing to give up, Sang’s family continued searching. That same evening, their perseverance paid off when they discovered his body near the wreckage site.

His son, Garland Nguyen, shared the harrowing details of the incident and the immense emotional toll on the family.

“They were coming back from a night of fishing when they hit a floating log. It caused the motor to fail and the boat to veer sharply. My father and brother were thrown into the water. My uncle, who was asleep, turned the boat around as soon as he realized what happened, but by then my father had already gone under. My brother tried to hold on to him… but there’s only so much you can do.”

“He was 86, still strong, still sharp, still full of life. He loved to fish, loved his family, and lived every day with purpose.”

A fixture in his community, Sang Nguyen was admired for his humility, work ethic, and the love he poured into his family. To those who knew him, he was the embodiment of quiet strength and resilience — a man who had weathered life’s storms and gave his all to those he loved.

In a statement, the family extended their gratitude:

“We want to thank every single person who prayed, helped search, or offered support. Your kindness meant more than words can say. We’re grateful to the Coast Guard and local responders, and we’re thankful we could bring him home.”

Memorial arrangements are forthcoming, and the family asks for continued prayers as they prepare to honor a life that meant so much to so many.

Rest in peace, Sang Nguyen. Your love endures, your legacy lives on.