Sarasota officer rescues unconscious man after noticing bizarre boating activity
SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Sarasota police officer’s quick thinking likely saved a boater’s life after an unmanned vessel was seen circling in a waterway earlier this month.
Officer Michael Skinner with the Sarasota Police Marine Unit was on patrol the afternoon of May 3 when he received a distress call regarding a boat circling near Phillippi Creek in the inner coastal waterway near channel marker 72.
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When he approached the boat, he noticed a man lying unconscious, face down on the deck.
Officer Skinner wedged his police boat and pinned the man’s boat against a nearby seawall. He made his way onto the man’s boat, shutting off his engine and using an emergency cutoff switch to shut down his own boat.
Sarasota fire crews, who were already on standby near the seawall, provided medical attention to the man, later identified as Paul Hudson, who was semi-conscious.
The incident, caught on the officer’s body camera, shows officials rendering aid to Hudson and checking his cognitive functioning.
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Hudson told officials the incident occurred after he had hit a boat wake. He was later taken to a nearby hospital where he is expected to make a full recovery.
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“I’m incredibly proud of Officer Skinner’s quick response and selfless actions,” Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche said. “His bravery exemplifies the dedication of our law enforcement officers to serving and protecting our community.”
As we approach National Safe Boating Week next week, the police department is reminding boaters of the importance of wearing an emergency cutoff switch.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating this incident.
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