Coast Guard rescues 2 boaters, 1 dog 6 miles southwest of Fenhalloway River

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 01/22/2019 10:17 AM EST

united states coast guard 

News Release  

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Tampa Bay
Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Tampa Bay
305-965-4672
PA Detachment Tampa Bay online newsroom

Coast Guard rescues 2 boaters, 1 dog 6 miles southwest of Fenhalloway River

Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter

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CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Coast Guard rescued two men and a dog Tuesday in Apalachee Bay.

Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders received a report Tuesday from Taylor County 911 dispatch stating two people and a dog were in distress approximately 5 miles south of Rock Island.

Watchstanders dispatched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater to assist. The aircrew located the overturned vessel 6 miles southwest of Fenhalloway River with the survivors clinging to the hull of the overturned vessel.

The aircrew lowered a rescue swimmer and hoisted the men and a dog into the helicopter. The aircrew transported the survivors to Tallahassee International Airport where Leon County EMS were awaiting to provide further care and transport. 

Mild hypothermia like symptoms were reported.  

“Thankfully the survivors were wearing life jackets," said Joe Mathieu, a search and rescue coordinator. “Having the proper safety equipment aboard your vessel and wearing the correct clothing, especially in cold weather, can make the difference if something unexpected happens while out on the water .”

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-USCG-