Texas A&M students’ training help rescue people stranded in the middle of the Gulf, university says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Texas A&M Maritime Academy cadets are being praised for their role in rescuing people stranded in the Gulf of Mexico, according to a university spokesperson.

The academy’s ship departed from Galveston on Sunday, June 2, for an annual training semester for students enrolled in degree programs combined with U.S. Coast Guard license training.

While en route to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, several cadets on watch noticed a small vessel with individuals signaling for help.

“I’ve had over 20 years at sea, and I’ve only encountered one other situation like this,” said Captain Wade Howell.

Howell contacted the Coast Guard via radio, who authorized him to launch a rescue boat.

“We were the closest vessel because we’re in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, quite isolated,” he explained.

Onboard the stranded vessel were three Spanish-speaking individuals who told the cadets they had been adrift for several days.

Captain Howell stated that the ship is now rerouting to Key West to transfer the rescued individuals to U.S. Coast Guard officials.