Coast Guard Station Islamorada boatcrew members assist in dewatering a vessel, June 8, 2019, near Tavernier, Florida. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Curtis Gabbert.
KEY WEST, Fla. — The Coast Guard rescued three men who were taking on water Saturday aboard their 27-foot vessel, Sailfish, approximately 9 miles southeast of Tavernier.
Coast Guard Station Islamorada watchstanders received the report from the vessel via cellphone and launched a Station Islamorada 33-foot Special Purpose Craft-Law Enforcement crew who dewatered the vessel, took it in tow and transferred the tow to commercial towing and salvage.
“During the peak of boating season, it is crucial to ensure safety is your main priority,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Nathan Pounds, coxswain at Station Islamorada. “Doing a pre-voyage check of your vessel’s required equipment could be the difference between the preservation of life and property.”
