Survivor: Tragedy happened 'too fast'
Last 3 bodies found from boating accident on Lake Ray Hubbard
09/26/2002
The 10 passengers on a crowded fishing boat on Lake Ray Hubbard had only seconds to react once water started rushing in early Monday, one of the five survivors said Wednesday.
Searchers recovered the last three bodies from the lake Wednesday; two bodies had been pulled from the water Monday.
Moises Rodriguez, 20, said passengers first tried to bail out the 16-foot open-bow boat after water began to swamp it, but the boat sank in less than two minutes. The boat had enough life jackets for the passengers, but most were unable to reach one and secure it in time, he said.
"It was just too fast. Everybody was getting desperate," he said. "I was able to grab one of the life jackets. I'm sorry the others did not have a chance to grab theirs. It was just awful - there are no words to describe it."
Investigators said they have recovered only two life jackets - those worn by the survivors.
Five members of three families died. Relatives are faced with making long-range plans for survivors 6-year-old Miguel Holguin and 18-year-old Aracely Holguin, whose parents and 12-year-old sister died. Funeral arrangements are pending.
"We have somebody to take care of," Mr. Rodriguez said, referring to 6-year-old Miguel. "We want to do our best so he can be as good a man as his dad."
On Wednesday, searchers recovered the bodies of 38-year-old Miguel Holguin Sr., his 12-year-old daughter, Norma Holguin, and Josue Castro, 21. On Monday, the bodies of Mr. Holguin's wife, Rosa Holguin, and 18-year-old Elizabeth Guzman, who was engaged to Mr. Castro, were recovered.
Mr. Rodriguez said the group was on a recreational outing Sunday evening. The boat apparently struck a tree stump but didn't start taking on water until about 45 minutes later, investigators said.
As the boat sank, Sarah Guzman, 22, swam more than a mile to the southeastern shore and called for help. Searchers were able to rescue Aracely Holguin, who was sharing a life jacket with her brother, Miguel Holguin Jr., and family friend Fernando Posada, 15. Rescuers also found Mr. Rodriguez, who had a life jacket and was floating apart from that group.
"We're trying to be strong," Mr. Rodriguez said. "I know God is going to give us the faith that we need."
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