Coast Guard, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) urge safe practices for anglers along state waterways, coasts. So far in 2021, 19 people have drowned while fishing in or near Texas waters, nine of whom were wade fishing or fishing on foot in shallow waters. Twenty-two people died fishing in 2020, nine of whom were wade fishing. “With a few popular fishing months left in the year, now is the time to raise public awareness of safety hazards facing local anglers, especially those fishing on foot,” said Assistant Cmdr. Cody Jones, TPWD boating law administrator. “River currents, rip tides, and the ever-shifting bottoms in tidally influenced areas lead to significant risks for wade fishermen in these coastal environments, making it imperative that participants take steps to mitigate such risks.” The Coast Guard and TPWD recommend that anglers follow the safety tips. Read more here.
Coast Guard medevacs man from Patricia Lee, 200 miles southwest of Dutch Harbor. On Oct. 19, the Coast Guard medevaced a man from a fishing boat. A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Kodiak, Alaska hoisted an injured fisherman from the 117-foot, commercial fishing vessel Patricia Lee. He was flown to Dutch Harbor and placed in the care of emergency medical personnel. "Thanks to the cooperation among air crew members, the command center team and the crew aboard Patricia Lee, our Kodiak team was able to hoist and deliver this young individual to a higher level of care," said Lt. Robert McConnel, Air Station Kodiak operations duty officer for the case. "Our crews routinely train for the treacherous Alaska night conditions they encountered yesterday. It feels good to see our team execute when someone's life is on the line." Read more.
Coast Guard repatriates 32 Cubans to Cuba; one smuggler detained. On Oct. 20, Coast Guard Cutter William Trump's crew repatriated 32 Cubans to Cuba following two interdictions in the Caribbean Sea due to safety of life at sea concerns. There was one suspected smuggler aboard the vessel who was transferred to Homeland Security Investigations personnel for further investigation. A good Samaritan notified Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders of a vessel approximately 23 miles south of Cay Sal, Bahamas. “Migrants illegally entering the U.S. using smugglers put their lives in the hands of criminals," said Homeland Security Investigations deputy special agent in charge Derek Gordon. "Migrant smugglers are ruthless criminals who seek to profit from the suffering of migrants." Read more.