PADET Houston News Releases

Video Available: Coast Guard medevacs 43-year-old male near Galveston

2009-11-11T22:01:20Z

Office of External Affairs U.S. Coast Guard

News Release	Date: Nov. 11, 2009 Contact: Petty Officer 3rd Class Richard Brahm (713) 578-3080
Coast Guard medevacs 43-year-old male near Galveston Video Available
HOUSTON - The Coast Guard medevaced a 43-year-old male from the motor vessel Sicily, 28 nautical miles southeast of Galveston, Wednesday. Watchstanders at Sector Houston-Galveston received a call at approximately 11 a.m. from a crewmember aboard the Sicily reporting that another crewmember had fallen and sustained broken bones. The Coast Guard launched an MH-65 rescue helicopter crew from Air Station Houston to medevac the injured man. The rescue helicopter crew medevaced the man to the University of Texas Medical Branch in Houston where his condition is unknown. Video of the medevac can be found by clicking on the following link: http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=711446 ### Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790. The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.

Good Samaritan vessel rescues three missing men

2009-08-30T02:51:13Z

Office of External Affairs U.S. Coast Guard

News Release	Date: Aug. 29, 2009 Contact: Petty Officer 3rd Class Renee C. Aiello 832-293-1293
Good Samaritan vessel rescues three missing men
HOUSTON — The crew of a Good Samaritan vessel rescued three missing men 180 miles from Port Aransas at approximately 8:20 p.m., Saturday. The three men had been missing since Aug. 22 and were reportedly found sitting on top of their capsized 23-foot vessel. The men are currently on board the vessel Affordable Fantasy and will later transfer to a Coast Guard Station Port Aransas 45-foot small boat. The Coast Guard will then transport the three men to Station Port Aransas where they will be met by EMS personnel. Watchstanders at Sector Houston-Galveston initially received a call Aug. 22 from the Matagorda Police Department reporting the men overdue from a fishing trip. Coast Guard aircraft, cutter and small boat crews had searched approximately 86,000 square miles. ### Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790. The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.

Coast Guard searches for operator of vessel adrift

2009-08-10T21:08:21Z

Office of External Affairs U.S. Coast Guard

News Release	Date: Aug. 9, 2009 Contact: Petty Officer Prentice Danner (832) 293-1293
Coast Guard searches for operator of vessel adrift
HOUSTON — The Coast Guard is searching for the operator of a vessel adrift near Bolivar, Sunday. After a Good Samaritan vessel reported a boat adrift at 11:15 a.m., the Coast Guard deployed a 25-foot response boat and a MH-65 helicopter to search for the possibility of a person in the water in the area of the vessel. Later, a boater reported seeing a person in the water and alerted the Coast Guard. The person was recovered by the crew of the response boat with no vital signs. The body was transported to Coast Guard Station Galveston and is now in the custody of the Galveston County Medical Examiner. The vessel was towed by Sea Tow to Clear Lake. ### Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790. The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.

PHOTO RELEASE: Healy conducts Arctic continental shelf research

2009-08-09T09:04:08Z

Office of External Affairs U.S. Coast Guard

News Release	Date: Aug. 09, 2009
Healy conducts Arctic continental shelf research
ARCTIC OCEAN – A Coast Guard Cutter Healy boatcrew along with a scientist from Scripps Institution of Oceanography recovered a sonobuoy, Aug. 8, 2009, while on a scientific research mission in the Arctic Ocean. The 1,100-pound sonobuoy spent nearly a year on the ocean floor at a depth of almost 1,000 feet measuring ambient noise at its location. To locate and recover the device the Healy was steered to the position the sonobouy was deployed a year ago. A signal was sent from the cutter to the buoy that commanded it to release the ballast weights that held it to the bottom of ocean. After a 10-minute assent, the device reached the surface and was located by the boatcrew. The crew towed the buoy to the stern of the Healy where it was hoisted onto the ship using a large a-frame crane. While deployed, the sonobouy recorded sounds made by whales, seals and other marine mammals. It also monitored sounds created by movements of ice sheets above and the sea floor below. This information will be used to help scientists understand the natural sound level in the ocean. The Healy’s current mission is of part of the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf Task Force’s efforts to determine the outer limits of the U.S. continental shelf. The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Louis S. St.-Laurent is scheduled to join the Healy Aug. 10, 2009, to aid in collecting data that will used by both countries. For photos, please click here to visit the cutter Healy's Flickr photostream. *Media Note* Due to limited connectivity capabilities in the Arctic Ocean, the photographs are not full resolution. ### Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790. The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.

PHOTO RELEASE: Clean up continues on South Padre Island

2009-07-25T00:33:36Z

Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard

Photo Release

Date: July 24, 2009

Contact: Lt. Nick Leiter
(361) 939-6227

Clean up continues on South Padre Island

BROWNSVILLE, Texas - In this photo released by the U.S. Coast Guard, beachgoers look on as Chemical Response and Remediation Contractors (CRRC) remove tar balls July 24, 2009 from a section of beach on South Padre Island, Texas.

The ongoing remediation of oil is a joint effort between Texas General Land Office and the U.S. Coast Guard.

For more photographs of the ongoing clean up, click here.

(U.S. Coast Guard photo/PA3 Adam Baylor)

Click the above image to obtain a high-resolution version.

Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.

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Coast Guard to award Gold Lifesaving Medal

2009-07-24T16:53:44Z

HOUSTON -- Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston will present awards to Roger Stone and Steve Conway for heroism and valor at a ceremony on the Mitchell Campus of Texas A&M University at Galveston at 2 p.m., July 27 2009.

Both men are being recognized for their heroic actions after the capsizing of the sailing vessel Cynthia Woods, June 6, 2008. The family of Roger Stone will accept the Gold Lifesaving Medal. This medal was established by Congress in 1874 and is one of the oldest military medals. Since then, approximately 700 medals have been awarded.

In contrast, the Medal of Honor, established approximately 10 years earlier, has been awarded 3,448 times. The Gold Lifesaving Medal is awarded by the Commandant of the Coast Guard to any person who rescues, or endeavors to rescue, any other person from drowning, shipwreck, or other peril of the water. To merit the award of the Gold Lifesaving Medal, the rescue must be made at the risk to one's own life and show extreme heroic daring. The Coast Guard is the ultimate award authority for the Lifesaving Medal and issues the decorations to members of all military branches as well as civilians.

Steve Conway will receive a Certificate of Valor, which is awarded to those who exhibit courage in saving a life or attempting to save a life at extreme risk.

The ceremony will be held in the Marine Engineering Research Complex in room 151. For more information, contact Petty Officer Patrick Kelley at 713-578-3080.

Keller, Texas, native on board Coast Guard Cutter Legare helps support Africa Partnership Station mission

2009-07-18T18:30:02Z

Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard

Photo Release

Date: July 18, 2009

Contact: Senior Chief Steve Carleton
(757) 398-6239

Keller, Texas, native on board Coast Guard Cutter Legare helps support Africa Partnership Station mission

In this photo by the U.S. Coast Guard, Fireman Mitchell Motlagh, a crewmember aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Legare, prepares an emergency medical kit on the deck of the helicopter hangar at the cutter's battle dress station, during a general quarters emergency, Thursday, July 16, 2009.

Motlagh, a native of Keller, Texas, is at his first duty station since graduation from Coast Guard boot camp and underway for his first sea patrol, as well, in support of the Africa Partnership Station mission, that will take him and the crew of the Legare to several countries off the west and central coast of Africa.

Under the direction of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa in support of the U.S. Navy's 6th Fleet, the Legare will focus on three primary areas critical to development of maritime safety and security maritime professionals, maritime domain awareness and maritime infrastructure.

(U.S. Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 2nd Class Thomas M. Blue)

Click the above image to obtain a high-resolution version.

Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.

###

Maritime law enforcement stakeholders meet

2009-06-07T02:46:45Z

Office of External Affairs U.S. Coast Guard

News Release	Date: June 6, 2009 Contact: Yolanda Choates 713-387-7360
Maritime law enforcement stakeholders meet
HOUSTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection together with U.S. Coast Guard brought several law enforcement officials from federal, state and local agencies involved with maritime security in its first-ever Maritime Law Enforcement Conference May 27-28. The Houston- Galveston Seaport is the number one port for foreign vessel arrivals in the nation and with such a distinction, comes a certain level of risk that a joint-agency approach easily mitigates. “Our goal is to reinforce our communication lines between all maritime law enforcement stakeholders,” said Jeffrey O. Baldwin Sr., director, Customs and Border Protection Houston Field Office. “We all want to work together as a team and identify ways to effectively respond to threats from natural to international acts against our nation and community.” The Maritime conference offered a venue for participants to discuss their mission, capabilities and to recognize any challenges the agencies can mitigate to respond effectively to a maritime threat. “I really appreciated being invited to the conference,” said David Gomez, CBP field technology supervisor. “I was able to see what type of communication equipment other agencies are using and how I can assist CBP in overcoming any communication challenges we may face.” Joint-agency activities between CBP and the USCG enhance their abilities to perform their respective missions. Activities such as marine patrols, air support and high-risk vessel boarding are examples of the two agencies teaming up. “Our partnership with the Coast Guard has increased our ability to coordinate our responses to threats in Houston and surrounding areas,” said Michael Sinclair, area port director, CBP Houston Field Office. “During joint operations of terminal sweeps, there are individuals who attempt to evade CBP officers by jumping in the water, our Coast Guard partners are able to swing around in their vessels and haul them in from the water. This allows us to interview and process any individual looking to evade CBP.” This conference not only highlighted equipment from the participating agencies, it also provided a forum to identify ideas and suggest improvements that will enhance their ability to work together in protecting our nation. Some topics covered included radiation detection, marine pollution, agro/bioterrorism and patrol strategies. “Over the next weeks and months, we will build on the communication and recommendations that were developed in the maritime conference,” said Capt. Marcus Woodring, USCG deputy commander, sector Houston-Galveston. “It is the Coast Guard’s and CBP's determination that we work together to build strong communication lines in the community.” At the end of the conference, participants were impressed with each agency’s capabilities. Participating agencies look forward to working together to effectively protect the nation. ### Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790. The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.

Coast Guard responds to disabled fishing vessel 70 miles off Galveston coast

2009-06-05T20:07:48Z

Office of External Affairs U.S. Coast Guard

News Release	Date: June 5, 2009 Contact: Petty Officer 3rd Class Renee C. Aiello (832) 293-1293
Coast Guard responds to disabled fishing vessel 70 miles off Galveston coast
HOUSTON — The Coast Guard came to the assistance of the crew of a disabled fishing vessel 70 miles off the Galveston coast, June 5, 2009. Watchstanders at the Eighth Coast Guard District communications center received a distress alert from a 406 Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) off the Galveston coast. A Coast Guard Air Station Houston MH-65C rescue helicopter crew and a Coast Guard HC-144 Ocean Sentry crew from Mobile, Ala., were both launched on the case. Upon arriving on scene crews discovered the disabled 53-foot fishing vessel Margie L with six people on board. The MH-65C rescue helicopter crew established dialogue with the crew of the Margie L and requested the EPIRB remain in the on position so communication could be established. The Coast Guard Cutter Manatee, homported in Corpus Christi was dispatched and is currently enroute to the position of the Margie L. Once on scene the Manatee will tow the fishing vessel to the nearest safe harbor. There are no reports of any injuries. "The crew of the Margie L used the EPIRB in the right manner. When used correctly, the EPIRB gives an extremely accurate position. They could have been sitting out there for a very long time had the EPIRB not gone off," said Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan Becht, watchstander at the Eighth Coast Guard District communications center. ### Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790. The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.

VIDEO AND AUDIO AVAILABLE Coast Guard, Good Samaritan rescues four stranded boaters from oil rig off Sabine coast

2009-06-05T19:01:19Z

Office of External Affairs U.S. Coast Guard

News Release	Date: June 5, 2009 Contact: Petty Officer 3rd Class Renee C. Aiello (832) 293-1293
Coast Guard, Good Samaritan rescues four stranded boaters from oil rig off Sabine coast
HOUSTON — The Coast Guard, along with the assistance of two Good Samaritans rescued four people from an oil rig after their boat capsized, 20 miles off the coast of Sabine Pass, June 5, 2009. Wathstanders at Sector Houston-Galveston received a mayday call at approximately 8:45 a.m. from a crewmember on board the 25-foot Sea Ray reporting they were taking on water. A watchstander immediately issued an Urgent Marine Broadcast (UMB). Good Samaritans on board the Ms. Adrienne and Miss Amy responded to the UMB. The Good Samaritans reported that the 25-foot Sea Ray had capsized and all four people on board were able to safely swim to a nearby oil rig. A Coast Guard Air Station Houston MH-65C rescue helicopter crew was launched, and a 25-foot response boat crew and 41-foot boat crew from Coast Guard Station Sabine were dispatched to assist with the rescue effort. The four people were taken off the oil rig by the 25-foot response boat crew and transported back to Station Sabine. They were reported to be in good condition. "In this particular case, the mariner made an accurate report of his position. If he was not able to provide us with a precise latitude and longitude, that's where the capabilities of Rescue 21 come in. Rescue 21 would be able to detect the boater's position through its direct finding capabilities," said Bill Segelken, Sector Houston-Galveston operations controller. Video of the rescue can be found by clicking on the following link: http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=576205 Audio of the mayday call can be found by clicking on the following link: http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=575818 ### Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790. The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.