Full Breakdown
Iron Shark Roller Coaster Malfunction Strands Eight Students at Galveston Pleasure Pier
5/29/2026, 9:00:33 PM
Core Event: Ride Stalls, Students Rescued After Hours
On May 28, 2024, the Iron Shark coaster at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier halted on its 100-foot lift hill at about 5:21 p.m., leaving eight students from Energized for STEM Academy Middle and High Schools stranded for roughly four hours. The Galveston Fire Department received the call at 5:37 p.m. and completed the rescue just after 9 p.m., using a Tower 1 engine after the usual man-lift failed.
Background & Context: Ride Design and Ownership
Iron Shark is a 1,246-foot steel coaster that climbs 100 feet, drops vertically, and reaches 52 mph. It is operated by Pleasure Pier, owned by Landry’s Inc., which is owned by billionaire Tilman Fertitta.
Key Figures & Groups
Key participants were Galveston Fire Department Chief Mike Varela Jr., Pleasure Pier COO Terry Turney, Houston Independent School District, and Landry’s Inc.
Timeline of the Incident
The coaster stalled at 5:21 p.m.; the fire department was notified at 5:37 p.m.; firefighters secured the area and used a tower engine to evacuate riders; the last student was rescued just after 9 p.m.
Data & Statistics
- 8 students stranded
- 4 hours of entrapment
- 100 ft vertical lift
- 52 mph top speed
- 1,246 ft track length
Official Statements & Responses
Pleasure Pier said the coaster’s safety system stopped the train as designed and that a thorough inspection will precede reopening. No injuries were reported. The fire department reported its crews were “top notch” and that rescued students were checked for dehydration and appeared “doing pretty good.” HISD thanked families and confirmed all participants were safe.
Criticism & Opposition
No dissenting viewpoints or formal criticism were identified in the available reports.
On-the-Ground Reports
Live SkyEye13 footage captured the stalled coaster and pier closure; firefighters used a tower engine to lower riders after the man-lift malfunctioned.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on the timeline, rider count, and cause of the stall; no contradictory information was found. Details about the specific mechanical failure remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our focus immediately shifted to the safety of our guests. Therefore, we contacted the Fire Department to assist, ensuring all guests were safely removed from the ride. A thorough inspection of the ride will take place before it is placed back in service.” — Terry Turney, COO, Pleasure Pier
- “ Terry Turney, the COO of Pleasure Pier, told PEOPLE: "The ride experienced a malfunction at its initial ascent, however, as designed, it immediately stopped to keep everyone safe.” — Terry Turney, COO, Pleasure Pier
- “firefighters were ready today,” and describing them as “top notch.” — Chief Mike Varela Jr.
- “Of course they were shaken up from climbing that ladder down, being in that hot sun. They have been checked for dehydration and everyone seems to be doing pretty good.” — Chief Mike Varela Jr.
What’s Next
Pleasure Pier announced that a comprehensive inspection of Iron Shark will be completed before the coaster returns to service, with safety officials monitoring the process.
