Coast Guard rescues 14 boaters, responds to 17 distress calls within a week in Tampa Bay
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Crews with the U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg had a busy week, rescuing 14 boaters after receiving 17 distress calls over the span of a week.
On Monday afternoon, crews responded to a distress call that left three people stranded on a disabled 20-foot boat roughly 22 miles west of Egmont Key. The boat was located four hours after the call and towed it to Egmont Channel. Thankfully, no one was injured.
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On Tuesday afternoon, crews responded to reports of a person stranded on a “disabled personal watercraft” near the Courtney Campbell Causeway. The person was rescued without being injured.
Sector St. Pete had a brief break on Wednesday before reducing two distress calls on Thursday afternoon.
Three people were found aboard a disabled 21-foot boat, around 14 miles west of Egmont Key after running out of fuel. The boat was towed and no injuries were reported.
Soon after, another call was received regarding four people on a 30-foot boat roughly 30 miles west of Venice who lost steering abilities. Aircrew with the Coast Guard Airstation Clearwater located the boat as the Cortez boat crew fixed their steering problems and escorted them to Station Cortez. No injuries were reported in this incident.
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Last Friday, a call came in at 11 p.m. regarding three people floating near their 47-foot fishing boat that was sinking a mile southwest of Johns Pass. The boat was partially submerged and aground just 10 minutes later. The boaters were taken to receive higher-level care from EMS personnel, but no injuries were reported.
Officials had 605 gallons of diesel pumped the following Monday from the boat’s fuel tank and towed it on Tuesday. Crews said no pollution was reported.
Courtesy: USCG Courtesy: USCG Courtesy: USCG
“Coordination between partner agencies and the proper use of emergency communication devices led to the successful rescue of 14 boaters throughout the week,” Capt. Michael P. Kahle, commander of Sector St. Petersburg said. “Not only does this display our crews’ exceptional capabilities, but also how important it is to have a communication device on your vessel. Having a working marine VHF radio, a well-charged cellphone in a waterproof case and a properly registered EPIRB and PLB, can and will help save your life in a time of distress.”
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