Coast Guard rescues 18 year old from flooded vessel in Port Aransas, 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 rescues 18 year old from flooded vessel in Port Aransas, Texas

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Coast Guard rescued an 18-year-old boater from a flooded vessel in Port Aransas, Texas, Saturday.

Coast Guard Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi command center watchstanders received a report at 5 p.m. from Port Aransas Police Department personnel that an 18-foot pleasure craft was taking on water near the Port Aransas Jetty with one person aboard. The man was reportedly wearing a life jacket. 

Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi command center personnel issued an urgent marine information broadcast and directed the launches of a Coast Guard Station Port Aransas 45-foot Response Boat–Medium crew and Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew.

Crews with the Port Aransas Police Department and Texas Parks & Wildlife Department also launched to assist.

Once on scene, the Coast Guard crew attempted to tow the flooded vessel, which began to tip over. The crew took aboard the man just before the pleasure craft capsized, then transported the individual back to Station Port Aransas. No injuries were reported.

The boat’s owner is arranging salvage of the vessel.

"This individual's preparedness was vital to the positive outcome of this case," said Petty Officer 1st Class Scott Ferguson, command duty officer, Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi. "His decision to wear a life jacket is one we hope will inspire and motivate other boaters. Drowning poses a risk to everyone on the water, and a life jacket can mean the difference between life and death."

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-USCG-