The crew from the US Coast Guard (USCG) rescued a male in his 20s from the Gulf of Mexico at approximately 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2023.
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) reported a vehicle parked in the southbound lanes of bridge, near the start of the fence, and suspected a person jumped from the bridge
The 45774 crew from the USCG launched along with St. Petersburg Fire Rescue and began searching the area of the bridge.
The fire rescue crews terminated their search efforts at approximately 2:30 a.m., however the USCG continued to search throughout the morning. At approximately 4:30 a.m., the victim was spotted and rescued near Egmont Key after being dragged by a barge and having been in the water for nearly 8 hours.
The victim was alert and conscious and transported back to the USCG station to meet with fire rescue crews for transport to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg.
Earlier, this same crew, assisted with the rescue of 4 people after their boat capsized in Tampa Bay
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a trained listener, call 988. Visit 988lifeline.org for crisis chat services or for more information.