ARANSAS PASS, Texas — The Coast Guard responded to a oyster boat on fire in the Intracoastal Waterway, Tuesday.
Watchstanders at Station Port Aransas received a call at approximately 4:47 p.m., stating that an oyster boat was on fire in the Intracoastal Waterway. Station Port Aransas launched a 45-foot Response Boat–Medium and crew and Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi launched an MH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter and crew.
The RB-M and crew arrived on scene at approximately 5:23 p.m. The boat was engulfed in flames, and the operator was on shore in the Aransas Pass Wildlife Refuge. He was the only person aboard the boat.
The crew of the RB-M provided a safety and pollution control zone around the boat fire.
Texas Parks and Wildlife retrieved the boat’s operator.
The Texas General Land Office will lead the investigation with the assistance of the Coast Guard.
“The Coast Guard would like to remind mariners to perform a safety check of their vessel prior to getting on the water and to file a float plan with a family member or friend in case you are unable to notify the Coast Guard directly,” said Lt. Byron Creech, an MH-65C Dolphin rescue helicopter pilot.
