GALVESTON — In the aftermath of last week’s deadly plane crash in Galveston Bay, the Galveston Park Board of Trustees is drawing attention to the coordinated response among emergency agencies, including the Galveston Island Beach Patrol.
In a statement released by the board, officials said the crash, which occurred in heavy fog, claimed multiple lives and required a rapid, multi-agency response. While no one on the ground was injured, the board said the incident highlighted years of preparation and joint training among local responders.
According to the statement, the Galveston Island Beach Patrol responded alongside the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, Galveston Police Department’s Marine Division and Dive Team, Galveston EMS, Galveston Fire Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, Jamaica Beach Fire Department and Port of Galveston Police.
The Park Board also acknowledged local residents who volunteered their boats to assist during the response.
Officials said responders operated under the National Incident Management System, a standardized structure used to assign roles such as incident command, safety oversight and specialized response teams. The system is designed to allow multiple agencies to work together efficiently, particularly during large-scale or hazardous incidents.
The board noted that the level of coordination seen at the scene was the result of ongoing inter-agency training exercises and real-world emergency responses throughout the year, including storms and water rescues.
“The professionalism and coordination shown were the result of preparation,” the statement said, adding that emergency response depends on planning long before an incident occurs.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by authorities.
Photo courtesy: Sky Decker
KGTX 7 Galveston County 