U.S. Coast Guard photo (archive).
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— USCG and good Samaritan rescued three fishermen Wednesday after their boat capsized approximately 45 miles west of Egmont Key.
A Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg 45-foot Response boat—Medium crew launched and once on scene embarked three people at about 9:45 p.m., from the good Samaritan vessel, American Pride, and transported them to Station St. Petersburg where they were released in good condition.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Air Station Clearwater/Released.
Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders received notification from the American Pride crew reporting they saw the capsized vessel Captain Bob and launched its rescue boat to investigate. While en route to the vessel, it was reported the good Samaritans witnessed a red flare sighting and diverted to that position where they located two men and a female in a life raft.
In an earlier incident, the Coast Guard responded Sunday to an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon alert from the 38-foot fishing vessel Captain Bob. Once on scene, the Jayhawk aircrew located Captain Bob at anchor and stable, but was unable to establish radio contact.
“The quick and selfless actions of the American Pride crew saved three lives today,» said Capt. Matthew Thompson, Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg commander.
A marine casualty investigation to determine the cause of the vessel capsizing is ongoing.
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