The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(NEW ORLEANS) — A Coast Guard rescue boat crew medevaced a 46-year-old man who reportedly suffered from smoke inhalation near San Leon, Texas, on Thursday.
Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston watch standers received a distress call via VHF-FM Channel 16 from the crew of the 50-foot towing vessel Kennedy Grace, which was towing the motor vessel Miss Geri, which caught fire. A crewmember aboard Miss Geri reportedly suffered smoke inhalation and was reportedly suffering from chest pains.
A 45-foot response boat-medium small boat crew from Coast Guard Station Galveston arrived on scene and safely medevaced the Miss Geri crewman. The rescue crew brought the man to local EMS, who took him for further medical treatment to UTMB in Galveston.
The four crewmembers of the Miss Geri were able to safely abandon ship and board the Kennedy Grace.
Two Houston fireboat crews arrived on scene to assist in putting out the fire on the Miss Geri.
The cause of the incident is under investigation.
