Marine Rescue Team Summoned in Death Investigation
Aransas Pass Police Department
INGLESIDE (News Release) - On Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, at approximately 2 p.m., the Aransas Pass Police Marine Division was requested by the Ingleside Police Dept. and the US Coast Guard to assist in a search and rescue operation.
Public safety crews were searching for a missing Kiewit scaffold builder who fell into the water and never resurfaced. The incident occurred on a rig that was moored at the Kiewit bulkheads inside the La Quinta ship channel near Ingleside on the Bay.
Once on scene, APPD Marine 1 and a TPWD Game Warden vessel conducted a search pattern along with the aid of a Good Samaritan boater. Marine teams utilized a side scan sonar system which gives rescuers a visual representation of what lies on the sea floor. The male victim was found using sonar and confirmed by the other vessels assisting.
An APPD Diver and a Commercial Salvage diver recovered the male victim at around 5:30 p.m. Despite wearing all appropriate safety equipment for working at height over water, the man was deceased. His inflatable PFD failed to deploy, which likely contributed to his death.
Precinct 6 San Patricio County Justice of the Peace arrived on location and pronounced death and requested an autopsy. The death investigation continues by the TPWD.
