7 rescued off Gulf Coast after boat sinks

updated 5:11 p.m. ET June 15, 2008

GALVESTON, Texas - The Coast Guard rescued seven people, including two children, who took shelter on an oil rig after their pleasure boat started sinking early Sunday in the Gulf of Mexico.

The boaters were rescued about 23 miles southeast of Galveston.

The New Buckaneer, an offshore supply ship, picked up a mayday call from the boaters and relayed it to the Coast Guard around 8 a.m. The distress call said the Mako, a 20-foot pleasure craft, was sinking and all seven passengers were in the water.

A Coast Guard rescue boat sent to the scene picked up the seven stranded boaters from the oil platform.

The boaters were reported to be in good condition, said Coast Guard Petty Officer Renee Aiello said. All were wearing life jackets at the time of the rescue.

The Mako was being towed back to Galveston.

Last week, the Coast Guard rescued five sailors who spent 26 hours at sea after their boat capsized in the Gulf of Mexico. The body of a sixth sailor was found aboard the Cynthia Woods.

The crew, which included four students and two safety officers from Texas A&M University, had been participating in a regatta from Galveston to Veracruz, Mexico.

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