The 35-year-old survivor and his dog who were rescued Friday met their Coast Guard heroes at the Coast Guard Air Station in Clearwater, Fla., on Monday.
The mariner and his dog, Evi, were rescued after his 30-foot sailboat, Southern Belle, caught fire 69 miles west of Hudson, Florida.
The man took a tour of the air station and was able to meet the entire MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew that rescued him, including the flight mechanic, rescue swimmer, and both pilots.
“When I came back today and actually got to meet the people, it was very heartwarming to know that these people come and do their job just to, you know, come get people like me,” said the man.
