HOUSTON — The Coast Guard rescued a 50-year-old man from the water after his jet ski began sinking approximately two miles offshore Crystal Beach, Texas, Saturday.
At 3:52 p.m., Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders received notification from a good Samaritan who reported that the crew of a disabled vessel witnessed the man enter the water after his jet ski began taking on water. The crew of the disabled vessel lost sight of the man shortly after and contacted the good Samaritan on shore.
Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and launched a Station Galveston 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boat crew, a 29-foot Response Boat-Small boat crew and an Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew to search the area.
Once on scene, the Station Galveston boat crews were able to locate the missing jet skier, who was wearing a lifejacket, and transfer him to the RB-M. The man stated he had entered the water at approximately 1:30 p.m.
The jet skier is reported to be in stable condition.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Station Galveston.
"One of the key contributing factors in the positive outcome of today was this gentleman's decision to wear a lifejacket," said Lt. j.g. Terrell Sisk, command duty officer at Sector Houston-Galveston. "Our chances of locating and assisting those in distress are greatly improved when a life jacket is worn."
The jet ski was recovered and towed back to Station Galveston.
The weather on scene was reported as 2-foot seas with 17 mph winds.
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