3 Houston-area hunters found dead near Red Fish Bay area, Coast Guard says

PORT LAVACA, Texas – Three Houston-area hunters were found dead near Red Fish Bay area, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

The incident was reported Friday about 11 a.m. in the Vicinity of Carancahua Bay, between Port Lavaca and Palacios.

The Texas Wildlife confirmed Saturday they found three men and one dog dead near Red Fish Bay. 

The Coast Guard said Starett Burke, Spencer Hall and Chris Ruckman went duck hunting about 4 a.m. Friday. Officials said Ruckman's girlfriend called the Coast Guard when they failed to return as expected.

The first body was recovered after 11 a.m., the second was recovered shortly after and Ruckman was the third body recovered at 4 p.m., officials said.

The Coast Guard said the three men has two dogs with them to help hunt. 

The Coast Guard said the 17-foot aluminum boat has been recovered.

The incident is under investigation, but officials do not expect foul play. 

The Coast Guard confirmed there was a small craft advisory on the water all day Friday.

KPRC2 will provide more details as they become available.