Update: Coast Guard suspends search for possible missing persons near Freeport, Texas

News Release

Nov. 7, 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

Update: Coast Guard suspends search for possible missing persons near Freeport, Texas

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HOUSTON — The Coast Guard suspended the search for possible missing persons approximately 3 miles south of the San Bernard River Tuesday morning.

Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston suspended the search at 8:44 a.m. after searching for approximately 18 hours, covering 484 square nautical miles.

Watchstanders at Sector Houston-Galveston initially received a report from a good Samaritan Monday afternoon of flames and smoke from a vessel south of the San Bernard River.

An Air Station Houston MH-65 helicopter aircrew and a Station Freeport response boatcrew were diverted to the location. Upon arrival, the 25-foot vessel was burned beyond identification and sank shortly after.  

“We were unable to identify the vessel due to the extent of the damage from the fire prior to its capsizing, and pending any additional information, we will be unable to determine any more details about the vessel,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Tim McClain, command duty officer at Sector Houston-Galveston. “Our crews actively searched throughout the night and morning and with no reports of missing persons or overdue vessels. The search has been suspended.”

-USCG-