Five people rescued from capsized vessel near Crystal River
Photo from USCG video.
U.S. Coast Guard
Crystal River, Florida — U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) crews rescued two children and three adults, Sunday, May 5, 2024, after their 18-foot vessel capsized, 10 miles west of Crystal River.
About 6:00 pm, watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg were contacted by Sea Tow Crystal River dispatch with the report that five people aboard a capsizing vessel had requested assistance.
Around 8:00 p.m. the five people were spotted, clinging onto their capsized vessel, by a MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, a boat crew from Coast Guard Station Yankeetown, and a commercial salvage crew. The Coast Guard boat crew recovered the mariners from the water and transported them to Pete’s Pier Marina to receive a higher level of care from emergency medical services.
No injuries were reported, and the mariners are coordinating vessel recovery with commercial salvage.
"Our crews were able to conduct the rescue safely and efficiently with the best possible results," said Lt. Scott Kellerman, Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60T Aircraft Commander. “Emergencies at sea can happen anytime, anywhere. We recommend all mariners carry a radio, flares and other distress signals in case they encounter an unexpected situation.”