4 Rescued When Boat Capsizes

KEY BISCAYNE, FL — Four people were rescued on Monday when their 25-foot boat capsized off the Florida coast. First responders said that the incident happened at 9:23 a.m. The vessel capsized seven miles southeast of the Cape Florida Lighthouse in Key Biscayne.

Erika Benitez of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said that first responders from Miami-Dade Fireboat 73 and the U.S. Coast Guard assisted in the rescue.

"Upon arrival, Fireboat 73 observed the capsized vessel and found four boat passengers in the water in seemingly good condition," according to Benitez.

"Fireboat 73 brought them on board and performed an assessment of their condition. All four persons were safely transported back ashore," she said.

Benitez added that boaters should check advisories and warnings before leaving shore.

"Currently, there is a Small Craft Advisory in place for the area," she said on Monday. "A Small Craft Advisory means that wind speeds of 21 to 33 knots are expected to produce hazardous wave conditions to small craft."

Benitez added that all recreational vessels should be equipped with life vests and marine radios since mobile phones don't always work at sea.

Photo and video courtesy Miami-Dade Fire Rescue