Coast Guard aircrews rescued two boaters whose 34-foot sailing vessel got into trouble.
The United States Coast Guard came to the rescue of two boaters whose 34-foot sailing vessel lost its sail 73 miles off Boca Grande during Tropical Storm Debby.
The Coast Guard received a call from the boaters' friends on Saturday evening, reporting that the two men had missed their scheduled check-in as they sailed from Key West to Tarpon Springs.
Coast Guard Rescues Adrift Boaters During Hurricane Debby
Despite low visibility, heavy seas, and high winds, an Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane rescue crew spotted the stranded boaters on Sunday morning.
An Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter rescue crew hoisted and transported the boaters to Air Station Clearwater.
Coast Guard Rescues Adrift Boaters During Hurricane Debby
"We received an updated satellite position from the boaters’ friend, which led to them being successfully located," said Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Hooper, a search and rescue mission coordinator at Coast Guard District Seven.
"This rescue was a collaborative effort between District Seven and Sector St. Petersburg while Tropical Storm Debby crossed the region."
Coast Guard Rescues Adrift Boaters During Hurricane Debby
The boaters were wearing life jackets and clinging to railings as their vessel was tossed by 15- to 20-foot waves.
The Coast Guard emphasized the importance of accurate information and safety equipment in search and rescue cases.
Coast Guard Rescues Adrift Boaters During Hurricane Debby
Debby, which has since been downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm, initially made landfall along Florida's Big Bend region early Monday morning as a Category 1 hurricane, killing at least five people in Florida and Georgia.
The Coast Guard's rescue mission highlights the dedication and skill of its members in ensuring the safety of those in need, even during challenging weather conditions.
The boaters were fortunate to have friends who reported them missing and provided the Coast Guard with an updated location.
It is also a reminder of the importance of being well-prepared when sailing in unpredictable weather conditions.
