According to Coast Guard officials, the man was aboard a 36-foot chartered fishing boat just before noon when he began experiencing stroke-like symptoms.
The captain of the fishing boat called the Coast Guard and requested assistance. USCG launched an aircrew from Air Station Houston and transferred the man to UTMB in Galveston.
"In this case, it's a lucky break that the captain had a satellite phone on board and was able to contact us when his radio was out of range," said Petty Officer 3rd Class John Terrell, an operations specialist at Sector Houston-Galveston. "Being prepared for any contingency is the hallmark of a professional mariner. Always know the limitations of your gear and have a backup plan."
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