MOBILE, Ala. — A Coast Guard boatcrew rescued a man wearing a life jacket in the water between Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida and Fort Pickens, Florida, Friday.
At 12:15 p.m. watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Mobile received notification from a 65-foot yacht that a person was in distress in the water. The person had been swept away from the boat while attempting to un-foul the prop.
A Coast Guard Station Pensacola 45-foot Response Boat — Medium boatcrew located the man with assistance from crewmembers ashore who maintained visual contact of the man. He was then taken back to the Coast Guard station where emergency medical services reported he had no medical concerns.
“The situation could have easily turned out much worse if he had not been wearing a life jacket,” said Cmdr. Eric King, Sector Mobile. “We cannot overstate the importance of having proper safety equipment, especially, life jackets. Given the heavy rains and strong winds at the time, the life jacket probably saved his life.”
The Coast Guard recommends everyone wear a life jacket at all times, since there is little time to reach for stowed vests when accidents occur. Life jackets also enhance your visibility to first responders and increases the chances of survival.
