GUN BARREL CITY, Texas — Three fisherman were rescued from Cedar Creek Lake after their boat capsized in frigid temperatures on Thanksgiving night.
GUN BARREL CITY, Texas — Three fisherman were rescued from Cedar Creek Lake after their boat capsized in frigid temperatures on Thanksgiving night.
Around 10:55 p.m., one of the fishermen on board the now-capsized boat was able to call 911 from a phone which was in a water-proof case.
That 911 call initiated an emergency response from the Gun Barrel City Fire Department with coordinated efforts and mutual aid from first responders in Payne Springs, Tool, and EMS units from UT Health and CareFlite.
Gun Barrel City Fire Department Chief Joey Lindaman spotted a light in the water as firefighters began launching rescue boats to grid search an area around Tom Finley Park where a command center was established.
“Upon arriving on location we found 3 adult males clinging to the hull of the boat and all 3 were suffering symptoms of severe hypothermia," stated Lindaman.
Lindaman estimates the men clung to the side of their capsized boat's hull for approximately 40 minutes in 56 degree waters. Their life jackets had floated away after the boat capsized.
“The men were extremely fortunate last night," he said.
“I am extremely proud of the team effort last night by all of the responding agencies," Lindaman said. "Their quick actions resulted in a successful outcome for the victims.”