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Boat removed from Corpus Christi Ship Channel after sinking

The four people who were on the boat are safe, Coast Guard officials said.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Four people are safe after the boat they were on sank in the Corpus Christi Ship Channel Friday night. 

The 26 by 15-foot workboat sank just before midnight Friday and was completely underwater, Corpus Christi city officials said. There was no evidence of any fuel leaking from the vessel, but the Texas General Land Office (TGLO) and the Port of Corpus Christi were notified. 

"The TGLO will become actively involved with any environmental impacts, should they occur," the statement from city leaders said. "There is an estimated 100 gallons of fuel on board. No vessel traffic is permitted through the incident site at this time."

The US Coast Guard restricted vessel traffic in a portion of the channel until the obstruction was removed Sunday, according to a statement from the Port of Corpus Christi. 

"To assist with the safe recovery of the sunken vessel, the Port has mobilized numerous resources — including the Port Police marine unit — and contracted underwater surveys as well," the statement said.

The boat sank halfway between the Harbor Bridge and the La Quinta Channel. 

T&T Marine Salvage out of Galveston worked with Russell Marine out of Ingleside to expedite the recovery of the vessel, officials said in a statement.

The vessel owner will have to pay for the removal of the boat from the bay. 

The City's Emergency Management Office was actively engaged in the situation.

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