7th Coast Guard District
U.S. Coast Guard
Video Release
***Video available*** Coast Guard rescues two fishermen from overturned boat near Pine Island
CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Coast Guard rescued two men after their boat capsized 6-miles west off of Pine Island, Fla., Sept. 13, 2011. U.S. Coast Guard video
CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Coast Guard rescued two fishermen after their boat capsized 6-miles west off of Pine Island, Fla., Tuesday.
Rescued were:
Frank Neilson, 52-years-old
Steve Demoor, 38-years-old
At 5:30 p.m., watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Fla., received a report from Hernando County 911 dispatch regarding two men who were in distress after their boat capsized while fishing.
Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg launched an 18-foot Utility Boat-Light crew from Station Yankeetown and diverted an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Clearwater.
At 6:15 p.m., the helicopter crew located the two men and were able to safely hoist them inside the cabin.
After the survivors were onboard, the helicopter experienced a small electrical fire in the communications unit. The fire was extinguished quickly by the crew and the helicopter crew was able to safely land approximately 17-miles away at the Hernando County Airport.
No injuries were reported and the survivors were able to contact family and friends to arrange pickup at the airport.
"This case demonstrates the importance of carrying the proper equipment that can be used in an emergency," said Capt. Sheryl Dickinson, Commander of Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg. "The men were able to contact the proper authorities via VHF radio, which in turn led us to their position to be rescued."
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