ST. PETERSBURG., Fla. – Coast Guard Station Sand Key medically evacuated a 65-year-old man this morning from a 33-foot sailing vessel, less than one mile northwest of Anclote Key, Fla.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Fla., received a VHF radio distress call from Robert McDole, at approximately 7:19 a.m., reporting he was alone on the vessel, suffering from extreme pain and needed assistance.
After consulting with a Coast Guard flight surgeon, search and rescue coordinators at Sector St. Petersburg directed the launched of a Coast Guard Station Sand Key 24-foot Special Purpose Craft -Shallow Water boat (SPC-SW) crew at 7:32 a.m.
The Station Sand Key crew arrived on scene at approximately 7:43 a.m., safely evacuated McDole to the SPC-SW, and transported him to Anclote River Boat Ramp where EMS awaited.
McDole was reported to be in good condition before being transferred to Pasco County Fire Rescue EMS and taken to Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital in Tarpon Springs, Fla.
The Coast Guard reminds all boaters that in the event of a maritime emergency, the use of a float plan, VHF radio, life jackets and an Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon are critical on the waterways.
