PHOTOS AVAILABLE: Coast Guard assists 2 aboard disabled sailing vessel off Galveston, Texas

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 05/25/2022 04:23 PM EDT

united states coast guard 

 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 2 aboard disabled sailing vessel off Galveston, Texas

Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class David Reynolds, a boatswain’s mate at Station Galveston, directs the crew of a 45-foot Response Boat–Medium while towing a disabled 50-foot sailing vessel near Galveston, Texas, May 25, 2022. The Coast Guard received a call over VHF-FM channel 16 at 3 a.m. from the vessel’s operator stating their sailboat’s mast was damaged and engines were malfunctioning 30 miles offshore. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman Eric Ahumada) Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class David Reynolds, a boatswain’s mate at Station Galveston, inspects a fire extinguisher on board a disabled 50-foot sailing vessel near Galveston, Texas, May 25, 2022. After assisting the two boaters by towing their vessel ashore, the Station Galveston crew inspected their safety gear to ensure the vessel was in compliance with all laws and regulations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman Eric Ahumada)
Crew members aboard a 45-foot Response Boat–Medium from Coast Guard Station Galveston tow a disabled 50-foot sailing vessel near Galveston, Texas, May 25, 2022. The Coast Guard received a call over VHF-FM channel 16 at 3 a.m. from the vessel’s operator stating their sailboat’s mast was damaged and engines were malfunctioning 30 miles offshore. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman Eric Ahumada) Crew members aboard a 45-foot Response Boat–Medium from Coast Guard Station Galveston tow a disabled 50-foot sailing vessel near Galveston, Texas, May 25, 2022. The Coast Guard received a call over VHF-FM channel 16 at 3 a.m. from the vessel’s operator stating their sailboat’s mast was damaged and engines were malfunctioning 30 miles offshore. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman Eric Ahumada)

Editors' Note: Click on images to download a high-resolution version.

HOUSTON — The Coast Guard assisted two boaters Wednesday aboard a disabled sailing vessel near Galveston, Texas.

Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders received a call on VHF-FM channel 16 at 3 a.m. from the captain of a 50-foot sailing vessel stating the boat was disabled due to mast damage and engine trouble 30 miles off Galveston.

Watchstanders issued a marine assistance request broadcast; commercial salvage indicated they were unable to assist due to oncoming weather.

The captain of the sailing vessel indicated the vessel was still able to transit and intended on proceeding to the Galveston Anchorage. The sailing vessel had life jackets, food and water on board.

At approximately 4 a.m., the captain deemed it would be unsafe to anchor offshore and requested assistance. Commercial salvage launched to assist and arrived on scene but could not render assistance due to weather conditions. A Coast Guard Station Galveston 45-foot Response Boat–Medium crew launched to assist.

The RB–M crew arrived on scene, placed the vessel in tow and safely transported the vessel and boaters to the Galveston Yacht Basin.

"Conditions on the water can worsen rapidly, so it's best to frequently monitor the weather while underway and adapt your plans accordingly," said Cmdr. Mike Cortese, search and rescue mission coordinator, Sector Houston-Galveston. "We encourage all boaters to outfit their vessels with emergency equipment and seek assistance when conditions deteriorate, just as this vessel's captain did."

For more information follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

-USCG-