Coast Guard crews successfully rescued three boaters in Captiva Island, Florida, after their boat capsized, leaving them stranded at sea for nine hours. The dramatic rescue operation unfolded after a concerned family member reported not hearing from the boaters for several hours.
The distress call was made at 1 a.m. on Sunday, prompting the Coast Guard Clearwater helicopter aircrew to launch a search and rescue mission. The aircrew located the three boaters perched on top of their overturned boat around 6 a.m. The Coast Guard team from Fort Myers Beach swiftly responded, rescuing the stranded individuals and transporting them to HealthPark Medical Center in Fort Myers for urgent medical evaluation.
Despite their harrowing ordeal, the three boaters were found to be in good health, with no reported medical issues resulting from their time at sea. The circumstances surrounding the boat capsizing remain unclear, underscoring the unpredictable nature of maritime activities.
In light of this incident, Dennise Werre, chief warrant officer of the Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, emphasized the importance of having a 'float plan' in place before embarking on any boating excursion. A float plan serves as a crucial safety measure, providing essential details about the planned route, the number of individuals on board, and the safety equipment available on the vessel.
Werre commended the swift and coordinated efforts of the Coast Guard and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, highlighting the critical role of advanced search tools in facilitating the successful rescue operation. The collaborative response led to the timely location and retrieval of the stranded boaters, ensuring their safe return to shore.
