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TOERRA VERDE, Fla. (WFLA) — Three people were rescued Friday after their boat began sinking six miles west of Bunces Pass, near Fort De Soto Park.
The owner of the 29-foot boat radioed Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders around 4:20 p.m. to report that the boat was “rapidly taking on water,” according to officials.
A nearby tanker, Overseas Tampa, spotted the three boaters floating in the water and helped direct crews to their location.
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A Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg boat crew rescued three boaters, Friday, after their 29-foot boat capsized approximately six miles west of Bunces Pass. (Credit: U.S. Coast Guard) -
A Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg boat crew rescued three boaters, Friday, after their 29-foot boat capsized approximately six miles west of Bunces Pass. (Credit: U.S. Coast Guard) -
A Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg boat crew rescued three boaters, Friday, after their 29-foot boat capsized approximately six miles west of Bunces Pass. (Credit: U.S. Coast Guard) -
A Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg boat crew rescued three boaters, Friday, after their 29-foot boat capsized approximately six miles west of Bunces Pass. (Credit: U.S. Coast Guard)
“The boaters quickly donned their life jackets, which ultimately saved their lives,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan St. John, a boatswain’s mate at Station St. Petersburg.
They were taken to Tierre Verde Boat Ramp, and officials said Friday the boat’s owner was coordinating salvage of the sunken vessel. No injuries were reported.
“We’d like to remind all mariners National Safe Boating Week is here, and a perfect time to get a boat safety check with your local Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla,” St. John said.
