Coast Guard searching for man swept out to sea

GALVESTON, TX (KTRK) -- The Coast Guard is searching for a man swept out to sea in San Luis Pass, near Galveston.

Officials say 37-year-old Stephen Espedal was attempting to rescue a woman in the water on Sunday evening. While the woman and others attempting to rescue her were eventually able to make it back to shore, Espedal was swept out to sea.

Espedal is described as a red-haired man who stands approximately 6 feet tall. He was last seen wearing white shorts and no shirt.

The Coast Guard and local agencies have deployed both air and boat crews that will search through the night.

To get alerts for breaking news, download the abc13 news app for iPhone or Android. You can also get breaking news alerts sent to you by email.