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AMO Rescues Distressed Boaters

Release Date
Wed, 08/23/2017

CORPUS CHRISTI, Tex. – A marine crew from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations (AMO), rescued three boaters near the Port Aransas jetties, Aug. 21.

shipwrecked boat
A marine unit with AMO rescues three
boaters from this wreck.

Shortly after 10 p.m., marine interdiction agents from the Corpus Marine Unit overheard a mayday call regarding a boat that struck rocks near the Port Aransas jetties.

Agents responded, rescued the distressed boaters, and brought them aboard their vessel. The AMO crew advised U.S. Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi about the incident.

“This is a good example of how AMO is well-trained, equipped, and ready to respond quickly not only to smuggling events, but also to developing, urgent situations, and how well it serves the public,” said Corpus Marine Unit Supervisory Agent Chris Gallaspy. “Our crews did a great job tonight.”

AMO frequently responds to requests for assistance with searches and rescues. Rescue operations like this are considered high-risk, given the low light conditions at night, five foot swells in the ocean and 20 miles per hour winds. Using specialized equipment and training, AMO provides a highly specialized capability in conducting these types of rescues.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021