Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 file photo
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The Coast Guard and Sarasota Fire Rescue rescued a man whose boat capsized Wednesday approximately 5 miles west of Sarasota.
Rescued was Jay Connelly, 55, from Sarasota.
Sarasota Fire Rescue located the man and transported him to shore.
The Coast Guard received a call from the survivors friend at 11:39 p.m., stating Connelly took out a 16-foot Hobie Cat and had not returned.
Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders dispatched a Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew and a Coast Guard Station Cortez 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew to respond. Sarasota Fire Rescue also responded with marine units and an air asset.
“Mr. Connelly did several things right to ensure his safety,” said Richard Hutchinson, a command duty officer at Sector St. Petersburg. “He let close friends know where he was going and when he planned to return. He was also wearing a life jacket, which is one of the most important things a person can do to stay safe. Circumstances on the water are constantly changing and filing a float plan and wearing a life jacket increases a persons chances of survival.”
No injuries reported.were
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