Over the weekend, three boaters were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard after their vessel capsized off the coast of Florida. The rescue mission took place near Captiva Island after the Coast Guard was notified by a family member of one of the boaters that they were overdue. The last contact with the boaters was at 8 p.m. on Saturday, and they were on a 20-foot center console boat. A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 helicopter aircrew was dispatched to search for the missing boaters.
The video from the Coast Guard shows the moment the crew found the three boaters sitting on top of their capsized boat, all reportedly in good health. The aircrew immediately called in assistance from the Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach boat crew, who arrived at the scene and safely transferred all three boaters aboard. They were then taken to emergency medical services at the Coast Guard station to be evaluated. Chief Warrant Officer Dennise Werre of Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg commended the quick coordination between the Coast Guard and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office that led to the successful rescue.
The Coast Guard emphasized the importance of creating a float plan with a loved one before going out on a vessel. Float plans provide first responders with vital information such as the intended route, number of people on board, and available safety equipment. This information can greatly assist in search and rescue operations in the event of an emergency. Officials were unsure of what caused the boat to capsize, but the boaters were fortunate to be rescued thanks to the efforts of the Coast Guard and local law enforcement.
The quick response and coordination between the Coast Guard and other agencies were instrumental in locating and rescuing the three missing boaters. The video captured the dramatic moment when the boaters were found sitting on top of their capsized boat, highlighting the importance of being prepared with a float plan before venturing out on the water. The Coast Guard reminded boaters to follow safety protocols and ensure that they have proper safety equipment on board to prevent accidents like this from occurring.
The boaters were reported to be in good health after being rescued and evaluated by emergency medical services. The Coast Guard praised the efforts of the aircrew and boat crew in successfully completing the rescue mission. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in boating and the importance of taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all those on board. Float plans are a valuable tool that can help first responders quickly locate and assist boaters in distress, ultimately saving lives.
Writer Stepheny Price covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, and illegal immigration for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. The story of the three boaters rescued off the coast of Florida highlights the bravery and skill of the Coast Guard in responding to emergencies at sea. The successful rescue operation serves as a testament to the training and expertise of the Coast Guard personnel involved in the mission. Boaters are encouraged to heed the advice of the Coast Guard and create float plans before setting out on the water to ensure their safety and facilitate rescue efforts in the event of an emergency.
