Coast Guard rescues 4 people from remote island off Guadalupe Bay, Texas

united states coast guard 

 News Release  

June 14, 2017
U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Public Affairs Detachment Texas
Contact: 8th District Public Affairs Detachment Texas
Office: (281) 464-4810
After Hours: (832) 293-1293

Coast Guard rescues 4 people from remote island off Guadalupe Bay, Texas

Canoe_rescue

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Coast Guard rescued four adults from a remote island after their canoe capsized Wednesday morning near Seadrift, Texas.

At 1:26 a.m., a crewmember of the tow vessel Salvation contacted Sector Corpus Christi watchstanders and reported seeing a red flare in the area of the Victoria Bridge Canal.

An Air Station Corpus Christi MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew arrived on scene at 3:19 a.m. and, after noticing a flashing light, found the four people stranded on an island after a large wave overturned their canoe. The helicopter crew took the adults to Calhoun County airport, with the last member of the capsized canoe hoisted at 6:01 a.m. There were no injuries to the four adults, who were all wearing lifejackets.

The four adults were taking part in the Texas Water Safari canoe race, which was organized by the Texas Water Safari Corporation. The route started in San Marcos, Texas and concluded in Seadrift.

“We commend the Texas Water Safari Corporation for ensuring that the participants of the race were well equipped for the hazards associated with recreational activities on the water,” said Captain Tony Hahn, Commander of Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi. “The participants had Coast Guard approved life jackets and red aerial flares, a strobe-light, a whistle, a first aid kit, food and water. This equipment was crucial in signaling for help and allowing them to survive.”

-USCG-