Coast Guard, good Samaritan rescue 2 from water near Marathon, Fla.

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Southeast Contact: 7th District Public Affairs Office: 305-415-6683 After Hours: 786-367-7649 7th District online newsroom

The Coast Guard, good Samaritan rescue 2 from water near Marathon, Fla.

  

 

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KEY WEST, Fla. — The Coast Guard along with a good Samaritan rescued two people from the water Monday after their vessel capsized approximately three miles north of Marathon. 

Rescued were Calvin Kuo, 58, and Phil McCloud, 68, both from Chicago. 

Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders received a call over VHF-FM radio at 11:47 a.m., from good Samaritan Robert Conrad stating he found a 16-foot skiff capsized near John Sawyer Bank. He reported Kuo was clinging to the hull and he rescued him from the water.

Watchstanders launched Coast Guard Station Marathon 33-foot response boatcrew and an Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to assist in the search for McCloud.

The Dolphin aircrew located McCloud approximately two miles from the capsized vessel and vectored in the boatcrew to rescue him from the water. The boatcrew embarked both Kuo and McCloud and transferred them to EMS for further care. 

"This case truly highlights so many aspects of boating safety," said Senior Chief Jeremy Weaver, a Sector Key West command duty officer. "The survivors said their boat capsized within one minute of taking on water with no time to call for help. Taking proactive safety measures, such as filing a float plan can help the Coast Guard aid you during times of stress." 

The Coast Guard recommends all boaters wear a life jacket, get a free vessel safety check, file a float plan, have a registered Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon and check the weather before leaving the dock. 

"You have to be cognizant of weather and understand that even in the Florida Keys, with our warm weather, hypothermia is still possible if you are in the water long enough," said Weaver. "Having a plan is necessary and could save your life."

National Safe Boating Week is May 19-25. For boating safety information click here.

To obtain a free vessel safety check from the Coast Guard Auxiliary click here.  

 

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-USCG-