FV Miss Conch; Freeport, Texas

Freeport, Texas | 1998-Nov-04

Initial Notification: Group Galveston reported that F/V Miss Conch was taking on water about 11 NM south west of Freeport, TX. The pumps on board were unable to keep up with the flooding. A Station Freeport UTB and an Air Station Houston HH-65 were launched to assist. A pump was dropped to the UTB from the HH-65, and both pumps were transferred to the MISS CONCH. One of the pumps failed, and the HH-65 delivered a second pump from Station Freeport, then departed scene due to fuel constriction. The flooding exceeded the capacity of the pumps and the Miss Conch began to sink. The Master began to complain of severe chest pains. The Flight Surgeon was consulted, and concurred with a MEDEVAC via UTB. All of the people from the Miss Conch were safely transported to Station Freeport. A Hazard to Navigation broadcast is reporting the position of the mostly submerged fishing vessel. USCG district 8.