Coast Guard rescues 6 people from sinking boat in Texas gulf
The U.S. Coast Guard is reminding boaters about the importance of having reliable communication while enjoying the Texas gulf. On Sunday, February 19, officials stated in a release that the Coast Guard rescued six people from a sinking vessel off the Texas coast, near Freeport.
Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders received notification around noon from the captain of a 32-foot recreational vessel that was taking on loads of water five miles south of the Brazos River. The captain said three dewatering pumps stopped working on the vessel, causing it to sink.
The six people, who were all wearing life jackets, abandoned the recreational vessel and got into a life raft, according to the Coast Guard. Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and launched a rescue crew, as well as a helicopter crew to respond.
The boat crew arrived on the scene, took aboard the six people from the life raft, and transported them to Station Freeport. There were no reported injuries. The owner will arrange for the salvage of the recreational vessel.
Officials said things could have been different if the captain of the vessel didn’t have reliable communication equipment. The captain used a marine radio to call in the Coast Guard.
“We can’t stress enough the importance of having reliable, efficient communication equipment on board your vessel, especially a VHF-FM marine radio,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Tyler Downes, communication unit controller, Sector Houston-Galveston. “Every second matters during an emergency on the water, and a marine radio can be a direct lifeline for you and everyone on your boat.”
