PHOTO RELEASE: Coast Guard, FWC assists 7 taking on water 12 miles south of Vaca Key

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 02/17/2019 06:35 PM EST

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U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Southeast
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Coast Guard, FWC assists 7 taking on water 12 miles south of Vaca Key

A Coast Guard Station Marathon crewmember assists in dewatering a 39-foot pleasure craft with seven people aboard Feb. 17, 2019 approximately 12 miles south of Vaca Key, Florida. Coast Guard Station Marathon crewmembers assist assist in dewatering a 39-foot pleasure craft Feb. 17, 2019 approximately 12 miles south of Vaca Key, Florida.

Coast Guard Station Marathon crewmembers assist in dewatering a 39-foot pleasure craft with seven people aboard Feb. 17, 2019 approximately 12 miles south of Vaca Key, Florida. A Coast Guard Station Marathon crewmember assists in dewatering a 39-foot pleasure craft with seven people aboard Feb. 17, 2019 approximately 12 miles south of Vaca Key, Florida.

MIAMI — The Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission assisted seven people aboard a 39-foot charter fishing vessel taking on water Sunday approximately 12 miles south of Vaca Key.

At approximately 12:20 p.m., Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders received a distress call via VHF-FM radio channel 16 from the crew of the vessel stating they were taking on water. A 33-foot Special Purpose Craft—Law Enforcement crew launched to the scene, dewatered the vessel and escorted the people to shore.

FWC also responded with their own pump and assisted with dewatering.

"Fortunately, the people aboard the vessel had a VHF-FM radio, which greatly aided them in reaching out for help before the situation got any worse," said David Gilkison, chief duty officer at Sector Key West. "Having the proper safety and communication equipment onboard can make a big difference when you're out on the water."

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-USCG-