On August 27, 2023 at approximately 730pm, Game Warden received a call from the San Jacinto County Sheriff department about a boat sinking and three people in the water. Warden went to pick up Game Warden’s boat from boat barn while Warden went to boat marina to get information. It was reported that all missing persons had on life jackets.

Camilla VFD attempted to go look for the sinking boat, but had to return to shore due to waves swamping their boat. Cape Royal VFD was able to locate 2 women who were in the water near the sunken boat at approximately 815pm. They were unable to bring them to shore due to high waves. They dropped them into the water near Browders marina where Camilla VFD swam to them and helped them get to shore. All persons wore life jackets. Cape Royal VFD then had to return to their marina due to high wind and waves.

According to the 2 women, the boat operator was swimming in the lake when the wind and weather suddenly changed. The lake was clam and smooth until a storm came. This is when the boat came into trouble. The operator trying to swim to the boat, but the wind and waves kept pushing the boat away. The wife was unable to start the boat. The boat started taking on waves and started to sink. That is when she called 911.

When Warden arrived at Browders marina. Wardens launched their patrol boat and went out to locate the other missing person from the sunken boat. Once the wind started to die down, the USCG was called and a request was made for a helicopter to help search for the missing man.  San Jacinto County Game Wardens, Polk County Games Wardens and Lake Livingston State Park Police officer continued to search the area for the missing man. Cape Royal VFD came back out and also continued to search. The USCG helicopter arrived and started to search the area. They found him between Pine Island and the Lake Livingston Dam. Game Wardens pulled him from the water and took him to Browders Marina.  EMS then transported him to the hospital in Livingston where he was kept overnight for hyperthermia and observation.
0451 LIVINGSTON
COLDSPRING                    