Photos Available: Coast Guard assists 9 adults, 12 children near Texas City, Texas

News Release

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 PA Detachment Texas online newsroom

Coast Guard assists 9 adults, 12 children near Texas City, Texas

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HOUSTON — The Coast Guard assisted nine adults and 12 children after their vessel ran out of gas near Texas City, Texas, Sunday.

Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders received a notification from Sea Tow of a disabled 20-foot recreational vessel with nine adults and 12 children with five lifejackets aboard located one mile from the Texas City Dike.

An Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and a Station Galveston 29-foot Response Boat-Small boat crew were diverted to the location. A Station Galveston 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boat crew was launched.

Once on scene, the Station Galveston RB-M transferred seven individuals from the disabled vessel and placed one Coast Guard crewmember aboard before taking the vessel into tow. 

"It is the law to have a flotation device for everyone onboard your vessel," said Zack Edwards, command duty officer at Sector Houston-Galveston. "It’s hard to fathom traveling the open waters within Galveston Bay and crossing ship traffic with no proven ability to save your life should you enter the water without a floatation device." 

The passengers and vessel are being taken to the Texas City Dike boat ramp. 

-USCG-