Two people were rescued by Coast Guard crewmembers and Collier County Sheriff’s Department members from a 37-foot sailing vessel after they became disabled Monday in heavy seas 13 miles southwest of Marco Island, Fla.
Collier County Sheriff’s Department contacted Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders at approximately 7 p.m., reporting they were able to retrieve one person from the sailing vessel but due to inclement weather they were unable to retrieve the second person.
A 41-foot utility boat crew from Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach was launched in approximately eight-foot seas, and arrived on scene approximately three hours later. The crew was able to take the sailing vessel in tow and commenced the seven-hour transit to meet BoatU.S. to be relieved from the tow.
BoatUS members relieved the crew at approximately 5:20 a.m., and moored the sailing vessel at Marco Island Marina.
No injuries were reported.
“It is imperative boaters check the weather before taking to the seas,” Lt. Mark Upson, a search and rescue watchstander at the sector, said in a press release. “Weather can be very unpredictable, so checking weather conditions can help boaters stay safe on the water.”
