4 people rescued from swamped vessel off Hernando Beach
Still from USCG video.
Clearwater, Florida - On Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at approximately 9:15 p.m., a Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew and a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission marine crew rescued four people after their 18-foot boat started taking on water, about one mile off Hernando Beach, Florida. The people were reported in good condition.
911 dispatch alerted Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders of multiple flares being sighted and a boat, with four people aboard, taking on water.
The Jayhawk aircrew located the distressed vessel, hoisted two of the boaters onto the helicopter, and transported them to Air Station Clearwater to meet emergency medical services. FWC officers rescued the two remaining people and brought them to shore.
The vessel, which is not a hazard to navigation, was salvaged on Thursday, August 17.
“The proper use of the flares is what helped save these people,” said Chief Petty Officer Aaron Bolton, a command duty officer at Sector St.Petersburg. “It’s always important to have more than one communication device while underway because cell phone coverage isn’t reliable offshore - and to make sure your flares aren’t expired.”
U.S. Coast Guard video, courtesy, Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater: https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/USCGD7.