CG rescues some 1,500 in Houston

HOUSTON – The Coast Guard continues to conduct urban search and rescue missions in the greater Houston area. CG aircrews conducted two medical transfers of a pair of critical patients from outlying hospitals to Memorial Herman Hospital’s medical center in Houston on Aug. 27. “Our crews have been operating non-stop,” said Capt. Kevin Oditt, CG incident commander. “This is an all hands on deck event bringing crews from all over the nation to help with our response.” There are 20 CG helicopters, including four from CG Air Station New Orleans, and nine CG Flood Punt Teams with 21 shallow-draft vessels capable of operating in flooded urban areas, and conducting rescues in the greater in Houston area. Aircrews have rescued some 300 people in distress, and Flood Punt Teams have rescued about 1,200 people. (Source: Coast Guard 08/28/17)