Coast Guard spots flare in dark and rescues 5 clinging to capsized boat in Texas

Mitchell Willetts, The Charlotte Observer on Jul 9, 2025

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A boat capsized at night off the Texas coast, sending five people into the water — but then rescue found them the next morning, according to officials.

No distress signal was sent from the sinking vessel, but at 9:30 p.m. July 8, Coast Guard watchstanders received a report that the 22-foot pleasure craft was overdue near Freeport, according to a July 9 news release.

An urgent alert was issued, and a Coast Guard helicopter and 45-foot response boat were deployed to search for the missing boat, the release said.

After arriving at the search area, the Coast Guard boat crew spotted a flare burning in the distance — it was the missing vessel, officials say.

“Once on scene, the boat crew sighted the people in the water near the capsized vessel, all wearing life jackets,” officials said.

Video shared by the Coast Guard shows the boat crew pulling passengers out of the water to safety just after 7 a.m. July 9. The capsized boat can also be seen barely jutting out from the waves, almost entirely sunk.

The passengers were taken to shore and no injuries were reported, the Coast Guard said.

“This case highlights the excellent coordination and communication between multiple Coast Guard units, which led (to) the detection of the overturned vessel and the safe recovery of all five distressed mariners,” search and rescue mission coordinator Lt. Cmd. Matthew Spado said. “It also should serve as a reminder of the importance of wearing your life jacket, having proper emergency distress equipment onboard at all times and making sure a friend or family member knows your float plan.”

Freeport is a roughly 60-mile drive south from Houston.

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