HOUSTON — The Coast Guard rescued a man who was thrown from a catamaran when it capsized in the Bayport ship channel near LaPorte, May 10, 2009.
A watchstander at Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston received a call from the LaPorte Police Department at approximately 11:50 a.m. reporting that one man was clinging to the hull of the capsized boat and that another man had been seperated from the boat and would require assistance.
A Coast Guard Air Station Houston MH65-C helicopter and crew was diverted from a separate mission and arrived on scene at 11:59 a.m. A rescue swimmer was deployed to check on the man who had stayed with the boat. The man declined Coast Guard assistance and decided to remain with the boat after a good Samaritan arrived on scene to help salvage the catamaran.
The man who had drifted away from the boat was located and hoisted into the helicopter. After being medically evaluated, he was transported to the LaPorte Municipal Airport.
