The Coast Guard rescued at least thirty-two people from vessels in Texas waters on Friday, August 25 and Saturday, August 26, as Hurricane Harvey made landfall.
The Coast Guard deployed 14 boats and seven helicopters to Houston and the surrounding areas to rescue boaters, which included workers, residents, and commerical and recreational fishermen. Fifteen people were rescued near Port Aransas, Texas on Saturday. Seven of the fifteen were rescued from the tugboat Sabine, and four were rescued from the M/V Sandy Point. Four other crewmembers were rescued from the Signet Enterprise. Additionally, the Coast Guard reportedly rescued three people from a small fishing vessel near Rockport, Texas and twelve people from a 160-foot vessel near Port Mansfield, Texas.
Workers and residents were warned to stay off the water as South Texas prepared for Harvey’s arrival. Harvey was a Category 4 storm when it landed on the evening of August 25, and it has caused catastrophic flooding in as many as 50 counties in Southeast Texas. Harvey made second landfall in Southwest Louisiana on the twelfth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
Thousands of people in Texas and Louisiana are now seeking refuge in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. The Red Cross reports that more than 17,000 people have sought refuge in Texas shelters, and that number will likely increase. Authorities and family members have reported at least 20 hurricane-related deaths, and thousands of people are still being rescued from their homes.
The Red Cross has launched a massive relief response to this devastating storm and needs financial donations to be able to provide immediate disaster relief. Help people affected by Hurricane Harvey by visiting redcross.org, calling 1- 800-RED CROSS or texting the word HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation.