CLEARWATER — A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew from Air Station Clearwater and a Station Sand Key boat crew rescued an overdue boater early Friday, approximately six miles west of Three Rooker Island.
The 39-year-old man was transported to Tampa General Hospital in stable condition.
According to officials, the MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew located the man at about 4:30 a.m. He was found clinging to a fuel can in the water. A rescue swimmer was deployed and hoisted the boater to safety.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg received notification at approximately 9:30 p.m. Thursday from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office regarding a possible overdue boater. The man had departed earlier that day at about 7:30 a.m. from Anclote Village Marina in a 12-foot aluminum skiff for a fishing trip.
“Direct coordination with our partner agencies allows for a quick and timely response by our crews,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Kekoa Taijeron, an operations specialist assigned to the Sector St. Petersburg command center. “We are grateful to have safely rescued the overdue boater and brought them back to shore safely.”
The Coast Guard Southeast District stated that crews remain prepared to respond to ongoing and future missions.
April and May are months when Florida sees an increase in boating activity.
Please consider additional safety equipment while boating this season!
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