NEW ORLEANS - In their initial report, federal investigators say the seaplane crash that killed popular fishing guide Theophile Bourgeois flew into bad weather before going down.

Authorities say the plane initially took off during a break in heavy rain, but conditions deteriorated.

The Coast Guard recovered three people from the Chandeleur Sound after the crash.

Officials say watchstanders in New Orleans received a report around 2:56 p.m. Sunday that a local fishing charter service, Bourgeois Fishing Charters, had lost communications with one of its seaplanes. There were three passengers aboard.

A helicopter aircrew searched the last known position of the seaplane in the Chandeleur Sound. The crew recovered two people from the water and transported them to a New Orleans medical center. One of the passengers was declared deceased upon arrival. The company identified the deceased as Theophile Bourgeois, Nola.com reports. Bourgeois founded the company in 1992.

The crew later rescued the third passenger and transported them to a New Orleans medical center.

Officials say the cause of the incident is still under investigation.