The Iron Shark ride stopped near its 100-foot lift during a school field trip.
GALVESTON, TX — Eight Houston students were rescued Thursday night after the Iron Shark roller coaster stopped near the top of its lift at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, leaving them stranded for nearly four hours.
The rescue drew a large emergency response to one of Galveston’s best-known tourist spots as firefighters worked from a tower truck to reach the students high above the pier. Officials said none of the students was seriously hurt, but they were checked for dehydration after sitting in the heat and wind for hours. The ride remained out of service pending inspection.
The students were on a field trip organized by Energized for STEM Academy Middle School and Energized for STEM Academy High School, Houston Independent School District officials said. Video reviewed from a live camera showed the ride stopped at 5:21 p.m. Firefighters received the call at 5:37 p.m., Galveston Fire Chief Mike Varela Jr. said. The coaster had stopped during its first climb, near the ride’s 100-foot vertical lift hill. Crews closed parts of the pier while Galveston firefighters, police and Pleasure Pier staff planned the rescue. “We are grateful that all students, staff, and chaperones are safe,” the district said in a statement, adding that school leaders were in direct contact with the students’ families.
Firefighters used the department’s Tower 1 truck to bring the riders down one at a time. Each student was secured in a harness before being moved from the coaster train to the rescue platform. Officials said the work had to be slow because of the height, the angle of the track and the need to keep each student calm and steady. The final student reached the ground around 9 p.m. Emergency workers evaluated the students after the rescue. Varela said the students were shaken but relieved once they were back on the pier. No serious injuries were reported, and officials did not release the students’ names.
Pleasure Pier officials said the Iron Shark stopped because of a malfunction and that the ride’s safety system worked by stopping the train. Park operator Landry’s Inc. said its staff contacted the fire department so the riders could be removed safely. The company said a full inspection would take place before the coaster returned to service. On Friday, Pleasure Pier officials said a sensor failure caused the malfunction and that the problem was not detectable before the ride stopped. Officials did not say Friday when the Iron Shark might reopen. The Texas Department of Insurance oversees amusement ride inspections in the state, and local reports said the coaster had a valid inspection sticker.
The Iron Shark is one of the most visible rides at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, which extends over the Gulf of Mexico and is a major draw during the summer travel season. The coaster opened in 2012 and is known for its steep climb, 1,250 feet of track and speeds of up to 52 mph. Its lift rises above the pier, leaving riders with views of the seawall, beach and Gulf before the first drop. Thursday’s malfunction happened as the area was entering a busy holiday period, adding to the public attention around the rescue.
The scene unfolded in public view as visitors watched firefighters position equipment on the pier. Aerial video showed the stopped train tilted near the top of the track while rescuers worked beside it. The amusement park area around the coaster was cleared so crews could move safely. Varela praised the response by firefighters and other agencies, saying the operation required careful coordination. Pleasure Pier Chief Operating Officer Terry Turney said guest safety was the park’s top priority and that the ride would not be placed back in service until the inspection was complete.
The district said all students, staff members and chaperones on the trip were accounted for after the rescue. Officials had not announced any enforcement action as of Saturday. The next step is the ride inspection, which is expected to determine whether repairs or other action are needed before the Iron Shark can reopen.
Author note: Last updated May 30, 2026.