Coast Guard rescues family of 9 and 2 dogs stranded on Dog Island, Fla.

MOBILE, Ala. — The Coast Guard rescued a family and their two dogs, Sunday, who were stranded on Dog Island, south of Carrabelle, Fla., by inclement weather caused by Tropical Storm Debby.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Mobile received a cell phone call at approximately 12:30 p.m. from a man reporting his family of five adults, four children and two dogs were stranded in a vacation house located on a narrow sandbar at the southwest portion of Dog Island. Water was reportedly surrounding the house, and there was no way for them to evacuate to higher ground. The commercial vessel that brought the family to the island would not come back for them due to the weather conditions from the storm.

An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and crew from Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile deployed to their location. The rescue crew hoisted and transported the family to Carrabelle Airport. Emergency Medical Services examined the family, and reported no injuries or medical concerns.

“Due to the severe weather from Tropical Strom Debby, it took a great deal of ingenuity and teamwork across the Coast Guard to deploy an available aircraft and crew safely and effectively,” said Lt. Sara Vinh, 8th Coast Guard District command center. “Launching in severe weather is dangerous, but when lives are at stake, it’s our duty to respond.”

The Coast Guard urges mariners to closely monitor weather conditions, especially with an impending storm approaching. For tips on safely weathering the storm, click here.


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