New Orleans Mourns Maritime Leader Captain Toby Wattigney, President of the New Orleans-Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association
October 15, 2025 – New Orleans, LA
The maritime and river transport community in Louisiana is grieving the loss of Captain Toby Wattigney, a revered leader, experienced pilot, and a deeply respected voice in the state’s maritime sector. Captain Wattigney, who served as President of the New Orleans-Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association, passed away this week, leaving behind a legacy built on decades of service, leadership, and mentorship along the Lower Mississippi River.
His death marks not only the loss of a respected figure in the maritime world but also a personal loss for many who considered him a mentor, colleague, and friend.
A Pillar of Louisiana’s Maritime Industry
Captain Wattigney was more than a figurehead—he was an institution within the Louisiana maritime sector. With a career spanning more than three decades, he rose through the ranks from junior pilot to one of the most trusted authorities overseeing some of the most heavily trafficked waters in the United States.
As President of the New Orleans-Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association (NOBRA), Captain Wattigney played a critical role in ensuring the safe, efficient navigation of deep-draft vessels along a vital 150-mile stretch of the Mississippi River, from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. His work touched nearly every aspect of the maritime ecosystem—port safety, environmental stewardship, infrastructure planning, emergency response coordination, and the training of new pilots.
Colleagues credit him with helping modernize the association’s operations, while preserving the time-honored traditions of maritime piloting that are deeply rooted in Louisiana’s history.
“Captain Wattigney had a unique ability to bridge the past and the future,” said Captain John LeBlanc, a longtime colleague and fellow pilot. “He never lost sight of the river’s history, but he also pushed us to innovate, to invest in training, technology, and safety.”
A Mentor, a Leader, a Friend
Captain Wattigney’s impact extended far beyond boardrooms and bridges. He was a mentor to dozens of younger pilots, many of whom speak of his patience, depth of knowledge, and unwavering commitment to their success.
“He treated every apprentice like family,” said one junior pilot. “He taught us that being a pilot was about more than just navigating a vessel — it was about responsibility, character, and pride in doing things right.”
Wattigney was known for his calm under pressure, a trait that served him well navigating the unpredictable Mississippi. He was often the voice of reassurance during intense weather events or port delays, and was sought after for his guidance during times of operational or regulatory uncertainty.
Beyond his technical skills, friends describe him as a man with deep humility, a sharp wit, and a quiet but fierce sense of loyalty.
Legacy of Safety and Service
Captain Wattigney’s contributions weren’t limited to the pilot association. He was active in statewide and national maritime safety committees, advocated for improved infrastructure funding, and worked closely with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers, and local ports to enhance coordination and preparedness along the river.
In recent years, he was a vocal supporter of technological upgrades to pilot vessels, modern traffic management systems, and efforts to reduce environmental risks associated with heavy industrial traffic on the Mississippi.
“He understood that what happens on this river affects not just shipping but the economy, the environment, and the livelihood of thousands,” said Port of New Orleans spokesperson Carla Dennis. “He was a true steward of the river.”
A Life Well-Lived, A Legacy That Endures
Captain Wattigney’s passing is being felt across Louisiana’s extensive maritime network—from New Orleans to Baton Rouge, from tugboat crews to senior harbor officials. Flags at several port offices were lowered to half-staff in his honor, and vessels along the Mississippi sounded their horns in a coordinated tribute on Wednesday morning.
A public memorial service will be held in New Orleans later this week, with mariners from across the Gulf Coast expected to attend.
Governor Jon Bel Edwards released a statement mourning the loss, saying, “Captain Toby Wattigney was a giant in Louisiana’s maritime community. His leadership, wisdom, and heart will be deeply missed.”
He is survived by his wife, children, and extended family, who have asked for privacy during this time of grief.
Charting the Course Ahead
Though Captain Wattigney’s absence will be deeply felt, his legacy will live on in the countless pilots he trained, the river systems he helped safeguard, and the professionalism he modeled every single day.
As one pilot put it during a gathering in his honor:
“We’ll still be calling on his voice — in tough decisions, on foggy nights, in moments when we ask ourselves what’s right. He showed us how to do this job with heart and purpose.”
In the days and years to come, Louisiana’s maritime industry will move forward—guided in part by the principles Captain Wattigney championed: integrity, safety, tradition, and unwavering commitment to the river he loved.
Memorial Service Information:
A public memorial service for Captain Toby Wattigney will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Port of New Orleans Maritime Center, with a reception to follow.
Donations in his memory can be made to the Maritime Pilots Benevolent Fund of Louisiana, or to educational scholarships supporting future maritime professionals.
Captain Toby Wattigney, 1964–2025 — May his spirit guide calm waters and safe passages forevermore.
Leave a Reply