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| MH-65 Dolphin ©USCG (archive) |
An Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter checks on the condition of passengers aboard a disabled 20-foot recreational vessel Aug. 19, 2018 near Texas City, Texas. The vessel had nine adults and 12 children aboard with only five lifejackets available. U.S. Coast Guard photos by Air Station Houston.
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.
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| Photo: ©USCG Air Station Houston |
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