Coast Guard rescues stranded kayaker

Monday, October 01, 2007

(10/01/07 - KTRK/FREEPORT, TX) (KTRK) -- The Coast Guard rescued a kayaker near the San Luis Pass Bridge in Freeport on Monday.

A watchstander at Coast Guard Sector Houston/Galveston received a call at 11:35 a.m. from the officer of the day at Station Freeport of a kayaker stranded 300 yards off Surfside Beach.

The Coast Guard launched an HH-65C Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Houston and a rescue boat crew from Station Freeport. The helicopter crew arrived on scene at 12:05 p.m., hoisted the man and transported him to the Surfside Beach Police Department, where he was reported in good condition.

Phillip Holt, a 36-year-old man from Houston, was kayaking along Surfside Beach when he became exhausted from paddling in rough seas. After trying for some time to paddle back to shore, Holt used a cell phone to contact Station Freeport for assistance. Holt was in knee deep water but was not able to get back to land on his own. He was also reportedly not wearing a life jacket.

Coast Guard officials remind the public of the importance of wearing a life jacket at all times. They also advise telling friends or family where you are going and when you expect to return.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

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