Office of External Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard

Date: July 27, 2008

Contact:  Petty Officer Renee C. Aiello

(832) 293-1293

COAST GUARD RESCUES THREE BOATERS, SEARCHES FOR TWO

HOUSTON - The Coast Guard rescued three boaters this evening, and is searching for two more in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 12-miles off the coast of Freeport.

The 41-foot boat crew safely rescued two of the boaters, while the rescue helicopter crew safely hoisted one boater.  The remaining two persons reportedly swam to a nearby oil rig. 

A watchstander at Sector Houston-Galveston received a call at 6:41 p.m. from a Good Samaritan reporting an overturned 18-foot powerboat with five persons in the water.  Air Station Houston launched an HH-65C rescue helicopter crew, Station Freeport dispatched a 41-foot rescue boat crew, and the cutter Manta also responded to assist in the search effort.

Rescue crews will continue to search for the remaining boaters. 

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U.S. Coast Guard - Saving lives since 1790