PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Coast Guard rescued four people and a dog from the Indian River Sunday after their 16-foot unnamed pleasure craft capsized.
Rescued are Heather Lawson, Karen Manion, Lester Manion, Jordan McQuarrie and Whistle the dog. Ages and hometowns unknown.
At approximately 1:30 p.m. Coast Guard watchstanders heard “mayday” hailed over VHF radio with no further indication of distress. Triangulation indicated the call came from the vicinity of Cape Canaveral.
An HU-25 Guardian Falcon Jet from Air Station Miami and a 24-foot small-boat crew, from Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral deployed to search for a possible distressed mariner.
At about 2:20 p.m., while still searching for the source of the mayday call, the small-boat rescue crew spotted the four people and Whistle in the water near the St. John Boat Ramp in the Indian River. The survivors were all transported to shore and reported to be in good condition.
The small boat crew and Falcon Jet crew are still searching for the source of the original mayday hails.
The Coast Guard reminds all mariners that a vessel can capsize very quickly. There may not be time to put on a life jacket or hail for help. Please wear a lifejacket whenever on the water. In addition, keep a registered emergency position indicating radio beacon aboard your vessel so rescue crews can pinpoint your location in an emergency.
