Office of Public Affairs

U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release

Date: Sept. 16, 2004

Contact:  Lt. Catherine Carabine(281) 481-0025 x280

COAST GUARD LOCATES MAN FROM MISSING HELICOPTER

HOUSTON - The Coast Guard located a missing man from a downed helicopter today in the vicinity of Sabine Lake, Texas.

The Coast Guard received a report at approximately 2 a.m. of a possible downed Jefferson County Police Department helicopter and immediatly launched a Dolphin rescue helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Houston.  A 21-foot rescue boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Sabine, Texas, along with civilian aircraft and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department assisted in the search.

With the aid of night vision goggles, the Coast Guard helicopter crew located one of the crewmembers and relayed the position to the Coast Guard boatcrew who arrived on scene and rescued Jeremy Battenfield.  Battenfield was transported to awaiting medical personnel at Rainbow Marina by a boat from Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Mike Lane was located by the Bridge City Volunteer Fire and Rescue Diver and transported to awaiting medical personnel at Rainbow Marina.

Note:  Video and photography of the event is not available.

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