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Boaters rescued during Tropical Storm Debby
The U.S. Coast Guard rescued two boaters off the coast of Boca Grande after they lost their sail during Tropical Storm Debby.
BOCA GRANDE, Fla. - Two boaters are back on dry land after losing their sail and being rescued from nearly 20-foot seas caused by Tropical Storm Debby.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, a friend of the boaters called the agency around 5 p.m. on Saturday when the pair missed their check-in while sailing from Key West to Tarpon Springs.
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A rescue plane out of Miami located the boaters around 11 a.m. on Sunday about 73 miles off the coast of Boca Grande.
Courtesy: USCG
A MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter rescue crew was able to hoist the boaters from the boat and take them to Air Station Clearwater.
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Weather conditions were 15 to 20-foot seas and approximately 50-knot winds with low visibility.
Courtesy: USCG
"Some of the most important factors in any search and rescue case is accurate information and safety equipment," said Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Hooper, a search and rescue mission coordinator at Coast Guard District Seven. "We received an updated satellite position from the boaters’ friend, which led to them being successfully located. This rescue was a collaborative effort between District Seven and Sector St. Petersburg while Tropical Storm Debby crossed the region."
The Coast Guard strongly encourages boaters to file a float plan with a loved one before taking their boat on the water.
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