Home
Directory
Documents
Emergency Services Board
Fire Code
Fire Safety
Fire Safety on the Water
Frequently Asked Questions
Health and Fitness
Log On
Memorial and Honor
Mission and Objectives
Mutual Aid
News
Outreach
Personnel
Photos
Pipe & Drum Band
Physical Fitness
Recruitment
Scanner Fans
S.O.G.s
Videos
Weather and Water
Web-Based Email
Wireless Network

Printer-Friendly Version 

February 6, 2005

KFD Water Rescue

Kemah, Texas: Five people were rescued from Galveston Bay Sunday morning after their outrigger canoe swamped and capsized around 10:00 AM. The unfortunate paddlers spent approximately 30 minutes in the chilly, 54 degree water, at the mouth of the Clear Lake Entrance Channel near the Kemah Boardwalk.

KFD's fire and rescue boat MARINE-1 was dispatched to the scene at 10:11 AM with a crew of four consisting of two Kemah firemen and two Kemah Police officers. KFD firefighter Gerald Looper was at the helm while KFD Lieutenant Steve Ruthstrom and KPD officers Gary Kraantz and Greg Nolan affected the rescue in 3 to 5 foot seas.

Four of the victims were taken aboard MARINE-1 and rushed to shore where they were checked for hypothermia by KFD Paramedic George Cofran and paramedics from Clear Lake Emergency Medical Corps (CLEMC). The fifth victim chose to stay with his boat and was brought to shore by Towboat US who was called to salvage the canoe. Once ashore, the fifth victim was also met by CLEMC and checked for hypothermia. All five victims were treated on the scene and released.

MARINE-1, a 27-foot Boston Whaler, was purchased in 2003 to serve as a rapid response vessel for Galveston Bay and Clear Lake - the third largest yachting community in the United States. The $140,000 boat is equipped with a 750 gallon-per-minute water cannon. She is powered by twin 225 horsepower Yamaha outboard motors. MARINE-1 is equipped with a RADAR system with a 48 mile range, as well as an integrated GPS system.

MARINE-1 is moored at Kemah Boardwalk Marina and is available upon request to any fire or rescue agency on Clear Lake or Galveston Bay.

WE WANT YOU!

Join Kemah Fire Dept

Medics, eGenesis.cc our online continuing education provider for emergency medical services .