|
|
| News Release |
Date: Contact: |
| Coast Guard locates missing boaters near Florida Keys |
|
KEY WEST, Fla. -- The Coast Guard safely located two missing boaters Thursday 12 miles north of Marathon, Fla. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Key West received a report early Thursday of two missing boaters who left Marathon on a 23-foot Mako to go fishing Wednesday, but failed to return as scheduled. An HU-25 Falcon jet crew from Coast Guard Air Station Miami located the two boaters around 9 a.m. waving a towel. A Coast Guard smallboat crew from Station Marathon was a short distance away and once on scene, confirmed the two missing boaters to be unharmed. Their vessel had broken down Wednesday evening, but they did not have a radio onboard. They were towed into the 33rd Street Boat Ramp--their original destination--by Coast Guard Station Marathon crewmembers. Also assisting in the search were an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Miami and a Coast Guard Auxiliary aircraft crew. The Coast Guard stresses the importance of having all necessary safety equipment including effective communications systems such as a VHF Radio or cell phone so requests for assistance can be made. The Coast Guard remains vigilant to persons in distress. To report distress on the water, contact the Coast Guard on VHF channel 16 or dial 305-295-9700 directly. |
|
### Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790. The Seventh Coast Guard District is on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Become a fan!
|
printer friendly