VIDEO: Family rescued after boat capsizes off the Florida coast
- 22 Oct 2020
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
A family was rescued in Florida after strong winds capsized their boat. The family - four adults and three children - was boating near Davis Islands, Tampa, when the wind tipped their craft, dumping them into the water.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Office (HCSO) shared the video of the rescue operation.
The HCSO said, “On Monday, team Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Marine Unit assisted Tampa Police Marine Unit & Tampa Fire Rescue in rescuing a family after their boat capsized near Davis Island just before 3:00pm.
“Four adults and three children were stranded in the water after their 18-foot jet boat capsized due to strong winds during a small craft advisory.”
HCSO deputies were able to help a mother, father and their seven-year-old daughter from the water as Tampa Fire Rescue safely recovered the remaining two adults and two children.
“With the help of the Tampa PD, the family's vessel was towed back to the Davis Island Boat Ramp, the HSCO said.
All seven individuals were checked out by paramedics. Due to the quick actions of law enforcement officers and paramedics in getting the individuals out of the water, no one sustained injuries. All of the individuals on board the boat were wearing life jackets.
"When an emergency happens, jurisdictional boundaries don't matter. We all do our part to help those in need, and I am thankful that our deputies were able to assist in getting this family to safety,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister.
"This is a reminder to boaters to always pay attention to weather forecast before going out on the water, and most importantly, to make sure everyone on board your boat has a lifejacket. You never know when you will need it," Chronister added.