The following is a collection of unofficial photographs taken by members of the Marine Safety Office in Port Arthur, Texas following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.



MSO Port Arthur personnel were among the first Coast Guard units to enter New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana after Katrina. Photos capture their search and rescue missions; flooding and destruction in and around New Orleans; life at "Camp Katrina," their temporary accommodations at Air Station New Orleans where USCG personnel slept and ate; and official visits paid by Vice President Dick Cheney and President George Bush who met with Coast Guard members.



Members of MSO Port Arthur were the earliest first responders to return to Southeast Texas following Hurricane Rita. They surveyed damage in the areas of Sabine Pass,Port Arthur, Cameron Parish, LA which was hit the hardest. Photographs taken show grounded marine vessels and damage along Route 82 in Louisiana, the main route connecting Port Arthur and Cameron. Aerial views capture the destruction of the communities of Holly Beach and Cameron in Cameron Parish.