VIDEO: Flashing Light Leads Coast Guard to Missing Divers Near Matagorda

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Coast Guard rescued two divers who went missing 15 miles offshore from Matagorda on Thursday.

The divers were reported missing Wednesday afternoon after they were last seen surfacing in unfavorable weather conditions. When the weather cleared, they were not visible.

Sector Corpus Christi watchstanders received the notification and launched an immediate search.

Air Station Corpus Christi deployed an MH-65 Dolphin Helicopter and an HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft. Additionally, a Station Port O’Connor 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boat crew and the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Edgar Culbertson were directed to assist.

During the search, the Ocean Sentry aircraft aircrew spotted a flashing light in the water. This signal led them to the divers’ location. The divers were transported to Coast Guard Station Freeport and were last reported to be in stable condition.

According to information from The Coast Guard, 1,656 square miles were searched over a period of 36 hours.

The search involved:

• Coast Guard Cutter Edgar Culbertson crew
• Air Station Corpus Christi HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft aircrew
• Air Station Corpus Christi MH-65 Dolphin Helicopter aircrew
• Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrews