VIDEO RELEASE: Coast Guard rescues 55-year-old man 1 mile west of Aripeka

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 04/21/2018 11:26 AM EDT

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U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Tampa Bay
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Coast Guard rescues 55-year-old man 1 mile west of Aripeka

 Coast Guard rescues 55-year-old man 1 mile west of Aripeka, Florida

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ARIPEKA, Fla. — The Coast Guard rescued a 55-year-old man from a 25-foot boat Saturday approximately 1 mile west of Aripeka.

Rescued was Jeffrey Statkus, 55, from Brooksville.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg received a 911 relay from the Hernando County Sheriff's Office at approximately 10:41 p.m., Friday stating Statkus ran aground and was in need of emergency assistance. 

A 24-foot Response Boat-Small boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Yankeetown and an HCSO marine unit responded, but were unable to assist due to the location and depth of water.

A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew was launched at 1:44 a.m. The aircrew hoisted Statkus at 2:25 a.m. and transported him to Air Station Clearwater.  

No injuries were reported. 

“Fortunately, Statkus had his life jacket on and was also equipped with a flare and a spot light,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Matt Bonneau, operation unit controller at Sector St. Petersburg. “This was a successful rescue because he properly prepared himself with life saving safety gear before he got underway.” 

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