Special to The News

HOUSTON — The Coast Guard rescued three fishermen after they abandoned ship from a shrimp boat about 20 miles offshore from Sabine Pass, Texas, Wednesday evening.

Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders received a report from the owner of a 74-foot commercial shrimping vessel that three fishermen were in need of assistance after their vessel was struck by a possible tornado. The fishermen activated their emergency position indicating radio beacon and abandoned ship to a life raft.

An Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew was launched to assist. Once on scene, the aircrew hoisted the three fishermen from the life raft and transported them to the air station at Ellington Field in Houston.

The vessel was last reported afloat with no signs of pollution. All three fishermen were reported in good condition.

Weather on scene was 10- to 15-foot seas with 46 mph winds.