CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Three people in need of medical attention were rescued from their grounded boat by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Coast Guard crews early Sunday morning.
At approximately 9:30 p.m. Saturday, the three made a distress call received by Coast Guard watchstanders at Station South Padre Island. They reported that their recreational boat had run aground, they were all diabetic and very low on food. Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi watchstanders launched a 33-foot rescue boat from Station South Padre Island and requested partners with Texas Parks and Wildlife to provide assistance due to the shallow water.
The Coast Guard boatcrew guided a Texas Parks and Wildlife airboat crew to the scene. Upon arrival, the airboat crew took the distressed mariners aboard and transferred them to Adolph Thomae Marina where they were met by EMS.
“With weather conditions deteriorating quickly and all three persons in need of medical attention, we responded quickly to transport the distressed mariners to safety,” said Lt. Cmdr. Nathan Allen, the search and rescue mission coordinator for Sector Corpus Christi. “It is imperative that boaters always have enough life jackets for everyone onboard, have sufficient and appropriate medical supplies, always carry a marine VHF radio capable of calling for help, and have a boating plan and communicate it with friends and family.”