Coast Guard rescues 2 people, a dog from grounded vessel near Cowpens Cut

News Release

Aug. 15, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Southeast Contact: 7th District Public Affairs Office: 305-415-6683 After Hours: 786-367-7649

Coast Guard rescues 2 people, a dog from grounded vessel near Cowpens Cut 

MIAMI — The Coast Guard rescued two people from a grounded 21-foot recreational boat near Islamorada, Monday.

At approximately 8:33 p.m., watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Key West Command Center received a report of two red flares in the vicinity of Cowpens Cut. The watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and directed the launch of a Coast Guard Station Islamorada 33-foot Special Purpose Craft — Law Enforcement boatcrew. 

“These boaters properly used their flares by shooting one flare and then waiting before shooting the second,” said Petty Officer 2^nd Class Richard Rivas, a coxswain with Station Islamorada. “Boaters are reminded that even though it is the Coast Guard’s minimum requirements to carry only three flares, we highly recommend having spares and conserving flares until an appropriate time. We also recommend mariners carry additional visual distress signals, have their boats equipped with VHF radios, and position indicating radio beacons when boating at all times, day or night.” 

The rescue crew arrived on scene at approximately 9:15 p.m. and safely transferred the individuals and their dog from the grounded boat. They were transferred to Tavernier Creek Marina with no reported injuries. 

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-USCG-