Good Samaritans Help Coast Guard Rescue 5 Boaters In Distress

TARPON SPRINGS, FL — With the help of good Samaritans, the Coast Guard rescued five people Saturday in two separate incidents near the Anclote River and Indian Rocks Beach.

In the first incident, the Coast Guard received an urgent call from a man who could not locate his two friends who were diving off his boat about seven miles west of Anclote. A Coast Guard small boat crew from Station Sand Key and an Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew were dispatched. In the meantime, good Samaritans on two boats located and rescued the divers.

In the second incident, the Coast Guard received a "Mayday" call reporting orange distress flares from a boater. Once again, a Coast Guard small boat crew from Station Sand Key and an Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew were dispatched.

The good Samaritan who reported the flares also responded, and pulled three people to safety from a capsized vessel about 22 miles west of Indian Rocks Beach.

“Good Samaritans are incredibly great assets, especially in cases where the Coast Guard or other responders are not in the immediate area," said Petty Officer 1st Class Brian Haley, Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg operations unit watch stander. "We are so grateful for the good news of these rescues today and the great work of these outstanding good Samaritans."

During the upcoming busy boating season, the Coast Guard is reminding all boaters to take precautions:

• Marine radio and flares are critical pieces of equipment in times of distress.
• Always wear a life vest.
• File a float plan.
• Never boat under the influence.

Mariners can find more resources by clicking here.