HOUSTON - The Coast Guard and partner agencies have ended the search for a missing boater near the Lynchburg Ferry Landing, Texas, Saturday.
Rescue crews from the Coast Guard and partner agencies searched by air and sea for approximately 32 combined hours since the initial report and covered over 92 nautical miles.
Watchstanders from U.S. Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston received notification at around 2 p.m. from Vessel Traffic Service Houston/Galveston of a tugboat capsizing a half mile east of the Lynchburg Ferry Landing with five people on board, Friday. Good Samaritans on a nearby vessel immediately responded and retrieved four persons, who were transferred to EMS in stable condition.
Sector Houston-Galveston directed the launch of a U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and a 29-foot Response Boat-Small crew from U.S. Coast Guard Station Houston to begin searching. Multiple boat crews from the Army Corps of Engineers, Harris County Sheriff’s Office Marine, Houston Police Department Marine, Port of Houston Authority, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR) also assisted with the search.
On Saturday evening, the missing boater was recovered deceased by partner agencies.
“Our strongest thoughts and prayers go out to the family, loved ones, and all those involved in this tragic incident,” said Capt. Keith M. Donohue, Sector Houston-Galveston, Commander. “I also thank all our port and maritime partners for the tremendous cooperation and assistance rendered over these last two days."
A Unified Command was established with federal, state, local, and company representatives to coordinate search and rescue operations.
Salvage operations to recover the stricken vessel are currently underway. The ship channel is open to limited traffic.
Rescue crews involved in the search:
- Coast Guard Air Station Houston
- Army Corps of Engineers
- Coast Guard Station Houston
- Good Samaritan Boaters
- Harris County Sheriff’s Office
- Houston Police Department
- Port of Houston Authority
- Texas Parks and Wildlife
- Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR)
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