CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A Coast Guard aircrew hoisted three women off a disabled 22-foot recreational boat in Baffin Bay, north of South Padre Island, early Sunday morning.
At approximately 11 p.m. Saturday, Coast Guard Station Port Aransas watchstanders received a call from Sea Tow stating they were in contact with a disabled boat with five people aboard near Baffin Bay, but they had lost communications with the boat. Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi received a similar report from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, who were able to get a position before losing communications. Sector Corpus Christi launched an MH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter aircrew from Air Station Corpus Christi. The aircrew hoisted the three women off the disabled boat and left a hand held radio with the remaining two men who requested to stay with the boat.
“Our primary concern in this case was the lack of communication with the disabled boater and the potential for the weather to worsen," said Petty Officer First Class Laura Thomas, the command duty officer on watch. “Weather is always something we take into consideration for search and rescue cases, and fortunately Sea Tow and Texas Parks and Wildlife provided us with amplifying information to conduct the hoists.”
The women were flown back to Air Station Corpus Christi and the men requested commercial assistance Sunday morning.
Boaters are reminded to always check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly with appropriate personal protective equipment. It is important to always have enough life jackets for everyone aboard, have sufficient and appropriate medical supplies, always carry a marine VHF radio capable of calling for help and have a boating plan and communicate your intentions with friends and family.