HOUSTON — The Coast Guard and Texas City Police Department are searching for a 25-year-old man who was overtaken by a large wave while fishing in the vicinity of Mosquito Island, off the Texas City Dike, today.
Missing is Julio Torres.
Torres and three other men were wade fishing when they were overtaken by a wave this morning. The men reportedly saw Torres after the first wave, but lost him as subsequent waves came. One of the men called 911 at 10:05 a.m. and reported the incident and that Torres had not resurfaced.
“We were notified within 10 minutes of the 911 relay call and immediately diverted our assets that were out in the area to start searching,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Smith, a watchstander with Sector Houston/Galveston. “I would highly recommend anyone entering the water to check the tide and current conditions prior to entering. The best defense in staying safe is knowing the dangers and hazards of the area.”
Initial responders included the Texas City Police Marine Division by personal watercraft, a fire rescue boat and Coast Guard crewmembers aboard an Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and two 25-foot Response Boat — Smalls, one from Station Galveston and the other from Maritime Safety and Security Team Galveston.
Responders are continuing to search for the missing man.
For more information on water safety, check out the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association's site on rip currents at www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov.