GALVESTON, TX – Sky Decker described how he helped rescue a woman after a Mexican Naval aircraft carrying medical patients crashed into Galveston Bay Monday afternoon.
Decker said he was out boat riding when he heard there had been a plane crash and went to see if he could help. He said he initially could not locate the aircraft and later picked up police officers who knew where the crash site was located. Decker and the officers then responded together.
“When we arrived on the scene, it was really bad,” Decker said, adding that the plane was almost completely submerged. He said people already on scene told him there was a woman alive inside the aircraft.
Decker said he jumped into the water and it took him several minutes to remove the woman from the plane. He described her as being in very bad shape. He said he also helped remove a man who was positioned in front of her inside the aircraft, but the man was completely unresponsive and believed to be deceased.
Decker said he and officers then worked to get the woman to waiting emergency crews. He said that from what he understands, the woman is alive, responsive and talking.
According to the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, at least three people, including a 2-year-old child, were killed in the crash. Four people were rescued alive, and one person remained unaccounted for as of Monday afternoon. Officials said a call reporting the crash was received around 3:17 p.m.
The sheriff’s office said the aircraft was transporting burn patients. Eight people were on board, including four Mexican naval crew members and four civilians. At least one pediatric burn patient was among those on board.
The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office said dive teams, a crime scene unit, drone units and patrols responded to the scene. The Texas Department of Safety, the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are assisting with the investigation.
In a statement, the Mexican Navy said search and rescue protocols were immediately activated and are being carried out in coordination with all relevant authorities. The Mexican Navy said it is coordinating with the Mexican Consulate in Houston.
This is a developing story. More information will follow if it becomes available.
