Empty boat found off Texas coast, but the boater is still missing, officials say

A woman called to report her dad needed help on a disabled boat off the Texas coast, but searchers have been unable to find him, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

His daughter called authorities at about 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, saying her dad was aboard a 19-foot boat near the Galveston jetties, according to a news release. Coast Guard Station Galveston launched a search.

While crews were searching for the 65-year-old man and his boat, watchstanders sent the man i911 pings, which can help pinpoint a precise location.

“The man accepted only the first ping; subsequent requests went unanswered,” according to the news release. “After searching near the Galveston Fairway Anchorage and launching a flare to attract the boater’s attention, the (rescue boat) crew did not locate the disabled vessel.”

At 9:15 p.m., Bayou City Pilots found an empty boat adrift, officials said. The Blue Wave’s registration number matched the missing man’s boat. It was discovered near the Galveston channel entrance.

The search moved to that location, but the man has not been found as of Sept. 23.

He was last seen wearing board shorts, a T-shirt and a ball cap, according to the news release. Officials do not know if he was wearing a life jacket when he disappeared.

If you have additional information that may help searchers, call Sector Houston-Galveston at 281-464-4851.

This story was originally published September 23, 2022 at 4:23 PM with the headline "Empty boat found off Texas coast, but the boater is still missing, officials say."