Using the Maritime Museum’s outboard motorboat on the swollen Tchefuncte River, Madisonville Mayor Peter Gitz and museum Director Jay Martin got their first glimpse Wednesday at the extent of coastal damage caused by Gustav’s tidal surge.

The two made their way past several tugboats and their barges taking refuge in the relatively calm river.

The vessels and their cargo seemed unscathed by the storm’s fury, but the same could not be said for the famous T-Rivers bar situated off Main Street.

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The bar took on high water and sustained considerable damage to its deck, which will likely need to be replaced Gitz said, as Martin trimmed the boat’s speed to coast closer to the structure.

Main Street was also deluged with several feet of water, becoming one with the river.

Where the Madisonville boat launch began and Lake Pontchartrain ended was also no longer discernible, and the damage done by the ebbing tide to the already decrepit gravel parking lot will be known once the water recedes.

One of the canopies sheltering the fishing pier also sustained damage, with several layers of its metal roofing peeled back.

Gustav spared the deserted boat near the launch and the dilapidated, charred skeleton leftover from the camp that caught fire several months ago.

The Tchefuncte River Lighthouse, which withstood 150 years of storms, was still standing with little visible damage besides the newly installed entryway door being smashed in.

Lake water was still beating against the newly painted white exterior of the 40-foot structure, but the only ill effect visible from the relentless waves was a rust-stained area below the iron entry gate.

Overall, the historic beacon faired well, Gitz and Martin said.