CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A Coast Guard rescue helicopter crew rescued two men from an island in San Antonio Bay Saturday evening.
Rescued were Richard Tesch, 42, and Ruben Vasquez, 53.
At approximately 6 p.m. Saturday, Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi watchstanders received a call from Refugio County Sheriff’s Department stating they had received a report of a 16-foot overturned flat bottom boat with two people aboard, who swam to a brick barrier off an island in San Antonio Bay.
The watchstanders launched an MH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter from Air Station Corpus Christi and a 25-foot response boat from Station Port O’Connor. The response boat arrived on scene, but due to the depth of water they were unable to get close enough to the mariners. The helicopter landed on the island and the rescue swimmer went out to assess the condition of the stranded men. The men were stable with no medical concerns and were taken to Rockport Airport where Emergency Medical Services met them on arrival.
“This time of year brings unpredictable weather and it’s important to prepare accordingly," said Lt. Cmdr. Nathan Allen, the search and rescue mission coordinator for Sector Corpus Christi. "We were fortunate to receive the distress call quickly and respond immediately. The actions taken by the crew members directly contributed to a positive outcome."
Boaters are reminded to always check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly with appropriate personal protective equipment, 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 it with friends and family.