By LEONARD GRAY

Managing Editor

LAPLACE – The body of a man whose remains were found Sunday in LaPlace was identified Monday by a brother of the victim, according to a U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson.

Maj. Michal Tregre said the sheriff’s office is working closely with other agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Customs on the case.

A tugboat captain first spotted the body in the river Sunday at 9 a.m. He notified CBG Grain and Barge Company, the nearest dock, and the Port of South Louisiana harbor services office was notified.

The Port personnel secured the body and it was taken to Jefferson Parish for autopsy.

The body was determined to be that of one of two men reported to have jumped ship from a Turkish vessel on Saturday at 3:30 a.m. in St. James Parish.

The other jumper made it to shore and has since been apprehended.