A Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg boat crew rescued three boaters after their 29-foot boat capsized approximately six miles west of Bunces Pass off Fort De Soto.
The owner aboard the 29-foot boat radioed Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders over VHF channel 16 at approximately 4:20pm, reporting the boat was rapidly taking on water, and there were three people aboard.
A nearby tanker, Overseas Tampa, maintained a visual on the three boaters and vectored in the boat crew.
The boaters were transported to Tierre Verde Boat Ramp, and the owner is coordinating commercial salvage.
“The boaters quickly donned their life jackets, which ultimately saved their lives,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan St. John, a boatswain’s mate at Station St. Petersburg.
He also said it was a perfect time to get a boat safety check with your local Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla.
No injuries were reported.
