Coast Guard rescue 2 children and 3 adults near Crystal River

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Coast Guard crews rescue five boaters (two children and three adults) after their 18-foot vessel capsized 10 nautical miles west of Crystal River. Sunday, April 7, 2024.

Sea Tow Crystal River dispatch contacted Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders, Sunday, at approximately 6 p.m., reporting five people requesting assistance on a capsizing vessel.

A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60T Jayhawk Medium-Range Recovery Helicopter aircrew, Coast Guard Station Yankeetown Response Boat-Medium boatcrew and commercial salvage crew spotted all five people clinging onto their capsized vessel at approximately 8 p.m.

The Coast Guard RB-M boatcrew recovered the mariners from the water and transported them to Pete’s Pier Marina to receive a higher level of care from emergency medical services (EMS).

No injuries were reported and the boaters are coordinating vessel recovery with commercial salvage. 

«Our crews were able to conduct the rescue safely and efficiently with the best possible results,» said Lt. Scott Kellerman, Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60T Jayhawk MRR Helicopter Commander. “Emergencies at sea can happen anytime, anywhere. We recommend all mariners carry a radio, flares and other distress signals in case they encounter an unexpected situation.”

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–USCG–

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