Coast Guards Rescues Two Kayakers Stranded Near Galveston

A Coast Guard 45-foot Response Boat-Medium and rescue crew from Station Galveston locate two stranded teenagers with their kayaks tied onto an oil rig seven miles south of Galveston, March 12, 2013. The kayakers contacted watchstanders at Sector Houston-Galveston with their cell phone after paddling too far offshore. (Official Coast Guard photo by Station Galveston)

Coast Guards rescues two kayakers stranded near Galveston



HOUSTON — A Coast Guard rescue boatcrew saved two kayakers that were stranded south of Galveston, Tuesday.

The kayakers contacted watchstanders at Sector Houston-Galveston with their cell phone after tying their kayaks to an oil rig seven miles south of Galveston at 11:20 a.m., Tuesday. Watchstanders diverted a Station Galveston 45-foot Response Boat-Medium and rescue crew at 11:45 a.m.

The rescue crew arrived on scene at 12:05 p.m. and transferred both kayakers aboard the rescue boat. They were taken to Station Galveston and were released to their awaiting mother.



"These young men were lucky enough to have a cell phone with them and after they contacted us, we were able to get their GPS location and send our boatcrew out to rescue them," said Elvie Damaso, a watchstander at Sector Houston-Galveston. "The Coast Guard would like remind mariners to always have the proper equipment with them before going out in open water. That gear could help save your life."

Coast Guard boatcrew members from Station Galveston help a stranded kayaker climb aboard a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium seven miles south of Galveston, March 12, 2013. The kayakers contacted watchstanders at Sector Houston-Galveston with their cell phone after paddling too far offshore. (Official Coast Guard photo by Station Galveston)