Office of External Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard

Date: Aug. 22, 2007

Contact:  PA3 David Schuhlein
(832) 293-1304

COAST GUARD ASSISTS MEXICAN FISHING FLEET 

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas - The Coast Guard and Customs and Border Patrol are providing a safe haven and security today for more than 120 Mexican fishing vessels due to the expected impact of Hurricane Dean on the Mexican coastline.

Crewmembers from Coast Guard Station South Padre Island, Coast Guard Marine Safety and Security Team Galveston, Texas, and CBP officers are patrolling the Brownsville, Texas inner harbor to help control the unusual amount of Mexican fishing boats in U.S. waters and protect the area.

Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi crewmembers are conducting over flights to aid the operation by providing aerial support.

"Anytime you have a large group of vessels together in an unfamiliar area you run the risk for an accident," said Lt. Charles Hawkins, the commanding officer of Station South Padre Island.

Video of the patrol is available for download by selecting the following link http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=157428

  South Padre Island, Texas - Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team Galveston
surveys the area behind the Mexican fishing vessel Tampico Star while conducting a patrol
of the Brownsville Ship Channel. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by PA3 David Schuhlein)

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U.S. Coast Guard - Saving lives since 1790