According to officials, the woman fell and injured her back while riding on a 29-foot pleasure craft. The captain of the boat called Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders around 8:15am to report the woman's condition and ask for help.
Watchstanders launched a boat crew from Station Galveston and airlifted the woman back to the station for medical attention.
"It's important to have a means to contact the Coast Guard on your vessel," said Zack Edwards, command duty officer at Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston. "In this case, the captain was able to contact us and ask for assistance from a VHF radio on board. That can make the difference in saving a life and in this case was the key to a successful rescue."
The Coast Guard reminds all mariners to do the following before heading out on the water:
- Wear a life jacket at all times
- File a float plan
- Check the weather prior to departing the dock
- Have a marine band radio and visual distress signals on board
- Have a registered 406MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
- Have a Personal Locator Beacon
- Do not boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
For more boating information, go to USCGboating.org.
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