9 rescued from sinking boats in 2 incidents in Citrus County

Kaycee Sloan
·2 min read
1

CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — It was a busy weekend on the water for authorities as nine boaters were rescued from two separate incidents of boats sinking in Citrus County.

In the first incident, two boaters were rescued from a capsized boat about 14 miles off Shell Island at about noon Saturday.

When Deputies Sudlow and Seidenstucker with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit arrived, they found two adults clinging to a 17-foot boat that had capsized.

WATCH: Close encounter between massive alligator and bicyclist in Florida

CCSO said deputies battled strong winds and 6-foot waves but safely rescued the two boaters. The two individuals were not injured but were “very cold” due to the water’s chilly 68-degree temperatures, the sheriff’s office said.

Then, just six hours later, the CCSO’s Marine Unit was dispatched once again for a sinking boat; however, five adults and two juveniles were aboard the vessel.

Capsized boat courtesy of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office
Capsized boat courtesy of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office

According to a press release, Deputies Sudlow, Seidenstucker, and Fischer, along with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard, responded to the sinking boat about 18 miles off Shell Island.

Seven people were still aboard the boat when authorities arrived, and it was determined the boat’s engine had lost power and started taking in water due to the “worsening sea conditions.”

WATCH: Bottle sparklers ignite ‘devastating’ fire at popular Tampa tiki restaurant

The boaters were out of cell phone range but alerted authorities that they were in danger using their Emergency-Position-Indicating-Radiobeacon (EPIRB).

All passengers were rescued and taken to Pete’s Pier without injuries.

“I am thankful for the immediate actions of our Marine Unit and the assistance from FWC and the USCG,” Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast said in a statement. “Without their prompt response, these two incidents may have resulted in much worse outcomes. Please let this serve as a reminder to research weather conditions before heading out on the water, and always have the required safety equipment with you, such as distress signals and life vests.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.