Six People Rescued After Their Vessel Sank (Florida)

Six people were pulled from the water after their vessel sank five miles southwest of Clearwater Pass, Florida, Saturday, May 10, 2014.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg received notification at 11:40 a.m. Saturday from a good Samaritan concerning six divers aboard a sinking 24-foot fishing boat.

Watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast, launched a 25-foot Response Boat-Small from Coast Guard Station Sand Key, and an Auxiliary boatcrew from Flotilla 1352 to assist Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office rescue crews.

Once on scene, the Coast Guard boatcrew pulled five from the water as FWC and PCSO marine units pulled one other person. Five people were transferred to Coast Guard Station Sand Key at 12:10 p.m. with no medical concerns while the owner, operator remained behind to help coordinate salvage operations. The Auxiliary boatcrew remained on scene as the sunken vessel was salvaged by Sea Tow.

“This case highlights our excellent partnerships with local rescue units,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Raymond Burke, a search and rescue coordinator at the sector. “Six people were rescued today because of our great teamwork with FWC and Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office personnel.”