Coast Guard Saves And Assistes 17 Lives Off Texas Coast

 HOUSTON — Coast Guard crews along the Texas Gulf Coast responded to multiple search and rescue cases Sunday resulting in 17 lives saved or assisted.

In total, 10 search and rescue cases were logged:

The Galveston Beach Patrol and Station Galveston rescued a total of 12 boaters from three separate boats after their boats capsized from severe weather
Air Station Houston helicopter crews hoisted a fisherman to safety after he fell into the water 11 miles off Galveston
Station Freeport rescued a kayaker who was offset by weather off Surfside beach in Freeport
A good Samaritan assisted Station Sabine Pass in rescuing three boaters 23 miles southeast of Sabine, after their boat starting taking on water.
"Today we assisted 17 mariners who were first hand witness to the devastating effects of strong winds and heavy rains," said Lt. Matthew J. Walter, a command duty officer at Coast Guard Sector Houston/Galveston. "I strongly urge all mariners to check the weather regularly before departing the dock and while enjoying themselves on the water. Severe weather can arise quickly and take even the most prepared mariners off guard."

The Coast Guard reminds all boaters and mariners to do the following before heading out on the water:

Wear a life jacket at all times
File a float plan
Check the weather prior to departing the dock
Have a marine band radio and visual distress signals on board
Have a registered 406MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
Have a Personal Locator Beacon
Do not boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.