Coast Guard rescues two from capsized vessel in Tampa Bay

Mar 27th, 2011 · Comments Off

Crew aboard a 45-foot Response Boat-medium toss a heaving line to the crew of a 25-foot Response Boat-small who is playing the role of a vessel in distress during the day’s training in the Chesapeake Bay

Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer David Weydert

ST. PETERSBURG, FLA. – The Coast Guard rescued two men from their capsized vessel in the Tampa Bay, Sunday.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg received a 911 relay distess call from two men who reported they were clinging to a capsized Hobe Catamaran, approximately three miles east of the St. Petersburg Pier at 4:56 p.m. Sunday.

A Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg 25-foot Response Boat Small (RBS) boat crew was diverted to assist, arriving on scene at 5:07 p.m. The two men from St. Petersburg, Steven Ellis, and another unidentified man, were taken aboard the RBS and safely transported to Demons Landing.

Sector St. Petersburg has issued a hazard-to-navigation warning to mariners which will be broadcast until the disabled catamaran has been salvaged.

The Coast Guard reminds boaters to always file a float plan with a friend or family member, have a VHF-FM radio and electronic indicating radio beacon on board, remain vigilant and observe safety and security zones while on the water. An electronic float plan can be filed at the following website: http://www.floatplancentral.org/