The Coast Guard and a good Samaritan rescued four boaters from an overturned 16-foot vessel in Tampa Bay. It occurred about 9:40 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2020.
The crew from a Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg 45-foot Response Boat picked up the four people from the good Samaritan who recovered them from the water after their vessel capsized.
The overturned boat was approximately 1 mile west of the Skyway Bridge. One of the occupants was able to contact 911 to provide their location to emergency responders.
The Station St. Petersburg boat crew transported the boaters to Maximo Park Boat Ramp without any medical injuries or concerns.
The Coast Guard was assisted by St. Petersburg Police, St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, FFWC, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
“We encourage all mariners to check the weather prior to getting underway and carry all proper safety equipment on their vessel because circumstances on the water can change rapidly,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Steven Hava, the coxswain on the case. “Understanding the limitations of your boat and how many people it can safely transport is crucial to enjoying a day on the water.”
National Safe Boating Week is May 16-22 and the Coast Guard is encouraging all mariners to educate themselves and loved ones prior to the 2020 boating season.