The Coast Guard and good Samaritans rescued five people from an overturned boat 1 mile south of
the Aransas Pass bridge Saturday.
At approximately 6:30 p.m., the Aransas Pass Police Department notified Coast Guard watchstanders that there were people in the water in the vicinity of the Aransas Pass bridge.
The watchstanders from Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi launched a 25-foot response boat from Coast Guard Station Port Aransas, diverted an MH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter crew already out on patrol, and issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast requesting mariners in the area to render assistance.
The response boat arrived on scene at approximately 6:45 p.m. and recovered two people sitting atop an overturned pleasure craft. Three other people were previously picked up by good Samaritans and were later transferred to the Coast Guard response boat.
“The successful outcome of this case exemplifies how teamwork between the Coast Guard, local first responders, and other mariners can keep people safe,” said Lt. Cmdr. Nathan Allen, the search and rescue mission coordinator for this case. “The good Samaritans that responded to the case saved the three people that could not cling to the boat. We applaud their quick response and hope their action will inspire others to do the same in the future.”
The five survivors were taken to Conn Brown Harbor, in Aransas Pass, with no injuries. The boat was later salvaged by Sea Tow.
The Coast Guard would like to emphasize the use of safe boating practices. Always carry a marine VHF radio capable of calling for help, have a boating plan and communicate it with friends and family, do not boat under the influence, and always have enough life jackets for everyone onboard.