DATE: August 21, 2009 12:03:37 AM EDT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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| News Release |
Date: Contact: |
| Coast Guard Station Fort Myers responds to grounded vessel |
| FORT MYERS, Fla. - A Coast Guard Station Fort Myers crew assisted in the response of a small recreational vessel at 9:20 p.m., Thursday, just south of Big Shell Island. Upon receiving a call from the motor vessel Sanibel Princess at approximately 9:00 p.m., stating a red flare had been sighted near the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River, Coast Guard Fort Myers crews worked in conjunction with Sector St. Petersburg to create a search action plan. At approximately 9:05 p.m., Fort Myers crewmembers launched a 33-foot response boat to search the Sector-determined area. At 9:25 p.m., just south of Big Shell Island, the crew located a small boat aground with two people onboard. After Fort Myers crewmembers determined all aboard the recreational vessel were safe, a Sea Tow commercial vessel proceeded to free the grounded vessel. The Coast Guard was able to quickly determine an accurate search location due in part to the individuals in the grounded boat being prepared with emergency response equipment. The Coast Guard recommends mariners file a float plan with a family member or friend, have emergency equipment on board, including an EPIRB, and wear lifejackets. |
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