HOUSTON — The Coast Guard is searching for a 21-year-old Dallas native who was reported missing in San Luis Pass, Friday.
Friends of the missing man called the Galveston Police Department at approximately 7:30 p.m., reporting that while swimming in San Luis Pass the missing man had been swept away by the strong current.
“The man was swimming on the sandbar when he stepped in a hole and panicked when he felt the current pull him away,” said Zack Edwards, a watchstander with Coast Guard Sector Houston/Galveston. “It’s a lot of water that goes through that area, but we remain optimistic in our search.”
Coast Guard crewmembers are currently searching aboard an MH-65D Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Houston and a 45-foot Response Boat — Medium from Coast Guard Station Freeport.
Also searching are the Galveston Island Beach Patrol and the Jamaica Beach Fire Department.
“Every year the Coast Guard responds to multiple cases involving distressed persons in the water in the San Luis Pass area,” said Capt Brian Penoyer, commanding officer of Coast Guard Sector Houston/Galveston. “Signage on all the beach access entrances indicate the known extreme conditions with currents and drop-offs and visual NO SWIMMING logos. Yet people still take a chance.”
