Five people rescued from capsized vessel near Crystal River, Sunday afternoon
Still shot from brief UCSG video of rescue.
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
Clearwater, Florida — Late Sunday afternoon, April 7, 2024, two children and three adults were rescued from their 18-foot vessel after it capsized 10 miles west of Crystal River, Florida.
Sea Tow Crystal River dispatch contacted Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders, about 6:00 p.m., reporting that five people had requested assistance on a capsizing vessel.
About 8:00 p.m., a Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircrew, Coast Guard Station Yankeetown boat crew, and commercial salvage crew spotted all five people clinging onto their capsized vessel. The Coast Guard boat crew recovered the mariners from the water and transported them to Pete’s Pier Marina, located at 1 SW 1st Place in Crystal River, where emergency medical services were on scene to provide them with a higher level of care.
No injuries were reported, and the mariners are coordinating with commercial salvage for recovery of the vessel.
"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.”
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