CLEARWATER, Fla. – A terrifying scenario unfolded off the coast of Florida over the weekend when winds from then-Hurricane Debby tore the sail off a ship, paralyzing the vessel in tough seas and prompting a rescue by the US Coast Guard.
A video shared by the US Coast Guard Southeast confirmed the boaters adrift within the waters about 70 miles off the coast of Boca Grande.
In response to the USCG, a pal of the boaters contacted officers round 5 p.m. Saturday after the 2 folks did not verify in whereas they had been trying to sail from Key West to Tarpon Springs.
A rescue operation was then launched, and the disabled vessel was positioned on Sunday morning.
An Air Station Clearwater Jayhawk helicopter rescue crew was capable of hover above the vessel, and the stranded boaters had been then hoisted into the plane and dropped at security.
“Among the most essential components in any search and rescue case is correct data and security gear,” stated Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Hooper. “We acquired an up to date satellite tv for pc place from the boaters’ pals, which led them to be efficiently positioned.”
It was possible a protracted, tense night time for many who had been stranded on the boat.
The Coast Guard stated situations had been tough, with 20-foot swells within the ocean being reported, and winds whipping round 60 mph with low visibility.
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