MIAMI — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Cochito (WPB 87329) rescued six people from the water after their boat was taking on water 25 miles west of Sunny Isles on Saturday.
Coast Guard 7th District watchstanders received notification from a Personal Locator Beacon at approximately 9 a.m. Watchstanders launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Miami and the Cutter Cochito to investigate.
The crew of the Cochito arrived on scene as the vessel was reportedly taking on water rapidly and sinking. The Cochito crew rescued all six people from the water and transferred them to a Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale small-boat crew where they were transported to Haulover Park in good condition.
No injuries were reported.
“This case highlights the importance of how an EPIRB can save your life and the life of your loved ones,” said Lt.j.g. Paul Puddington, the Cochito’s commanding officer. “We were able to receive notification, get to the scene quickly and rescue them from the water before a deteriorating situation became worse.”