HOUSTON — The Coast Guard has suspended its search for a missing swimmer near Freeport, Texas, Sunday.
Coast Guard crews searched approximately 305 square miles for a combined 25 search hours.
"The
decision to suspend the search is never easy, but we remain ready to
resume the operation should any new information arise," said Lt. j.g.
Melissa Brizzi, command duty officer, Sector Houston-Galveston. "Our
thoughts and prayers remain with the family, and we hope they find
solace and strength during this difficult time."
Coast
Guard Sector Houston-Galveston command center watchstanders received
notification Friday at 6:43 p.m. from the Brazos County Sheriff's Office
stating a swimmer was swept out by a wave near Surfside Beach.
Watchstanders
issued an urgent marine information broadcast and directed the launch
of a Coast Guard Station Freeport 45-foot Response Boat–Medium crew, a
29-foot Response Boat–Small crew and a Coast Guard Air Station Houston
MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to search for the missing swimmer.
Involved in the search were:
- Sector Houston-Galveston
- Station Freeport
- Air Station Houston
- Coast Guard Auxiliary
- Surfside Police Department
- Texas EquuSearch
