HOUSTON -- A decorated Korean War veteran was safe in Houston on Wednesday after a Coast Guard helicopter crew plucked him from his sailboat, which was caught in turbulent seas about 115 miles south of Sabine Pass.
Kenneth L. Ketchum, variously described as 75 and 80, was hoisted from the storm-tossed 32-foot Downeast cutter Enchantress about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday by a Houston-based helicopter crew responding to the boat's emergency radio beacon.
Coast Guard spokesman Mike O'Berry said Ketchum told rescuers he was "unable to fend for himself."
A Coast Guard video of the rescue, which took place amid rain and lightning, showed Ketchum being hoisted into the aircraft and later shaking the hands of crew members. He spent a day at a Pasadena hospital, then was released Wednesday morning in good condition.
Jim Hedges, director of Lone Star Yacht Sales in Clear Lake Shores, said Ketchum was en route to Mexico at the time of the crisis. O'Berry said the man's relatives reported that the recreational sailor had departed 10 days earlier.
Hedges, who Wednesday was organizing efforts to return the now-drifting sailboat to port, said Ketchum took lodging at an area homeless shelter after being released from the hospital.
"He is a very private man," Hedges said of Ketchum. "He is a nice man."
Efforts to contact Ketchum for comment Wednesday were unsuccessful.
Hedges said Ketchum received a Purple Heart for military service during the Korean War.
According to Hedges, Ketchum resided in a recreational vehicle before making plans for his sea voyage. Hedges said Ketchum sold the travel home to buy the boat.
Documents related to the sale showed Ketchum paid $37,900 in June for the 32-year-old boat, which was equipped with a single diesel engine.
"Enchantress is a strongly built and exceptionally well-equipped cruiser, capable and ready!" said a sales brochure for the craft. "This is the most complete turnkey vessel we've ever handled. Load up provisions and go today!"
The brochure noted that the vessel previously had twice cruised to the Bahamas as well as along the East Coast and throughout Chesapeake Bay.
Hedges said the Enchantress is drifting southward in the Gulf of Mexico. As of Wednesday, its emergency radio locator beacon was functioning. Seas, he said, were running at 9 feet.
Hedges said he has assembled a crew, a tow boat and a diver in an effort to recover Ketchum's boat but that the attempt likely will not take place until Friday. He expressed concern that others might salvage and claim the vessel before his team reaches it.
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