GALVESTON, Texas – The fishing charter boat Reel Deep returned to Galveston with the help of the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard cutter the Manowar started the rescue mission about 40 miles southeast of Galveston. A smaller boat finished the trip back to the Galveston Yacht Basin.
Hank Stephens is the stepfather of 22-year-old Logan Foster, who was driving the boat.
"They had some storms blow in," Stephens said. "There was some lightning -- severity -- which very much shook them up. They're a little dehydrated, weak."
Foster and three friends left Galveston about 5:40 a.m. Monday. When the four didn't return home Monday night, their families called the Coast Guard.
Rescuers spotted the fishing boat while flying a search grid that extended as far as 70 miles offshore.
"They're thankful. We're thankful that God was able to take care of them," Stephens said. "They've had a long ride back in and at this time they just want to see their family, and get a little rest and go on with their life."
The four are safely home. The homecoming was described as emotional.
"They're still a little rattled from it," Stephens said. "They pretty much are a little tired, want to find a shower and some rest, and some love and they'll be fine."