US Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston command center watchstanders received a notification on February 6, from the tugboat Smith Invader, stating a crew member was last seen on February 5, and was noticed missing after a crew boat was supposed to transfer him off the vessel.
Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and directed the launch of a Coast Guard Station Sabine 29-foot Response Boat–Small crew and a Coast Guard Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to search for the missing crew member.
However, the efforts to locate the missing crew were unsuccessful, and USCG decided to suspend its search.
As informed, US Coast Guard crews searched approximately 206 square miles for a combined 23 search hours.
The tough decision of suspending a search is vetted through many channels and is never taken lightly. This search involved close coordination between state and local agencies, and we appreciate their assistance. We send our thoughts and prayers to the man’s friends and family during this tough time
said Lt. Cmdr. Jeffrey Schwind, search and rescue mission coordinator, Sector Houston-Galveston.
