Coast Guard, Sarasota Fire Rescue, rescue man 5 miles west of Sarasota

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, Sarasota Fire Rescue, rescue man 5 miles west of Sarasota

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The Coast Guard and Sarasota Fire Rescue rescued a man whose boat capsized Wednesday approximately 5 miles west of Sarasota.

Rescued was Jay Connelly, 55, from Sarasota. 

Sarasota Fire Rescue located the man and transported him to shore.

The Coast Guard received a call from the survivors friend at 11:39 p.m., stating Connelly took out a 16-foot Hobie Cat and had not returned. 

Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders dispatched a Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew and a Coast Guard Station Cortez 45-foot Response Boat Medium crew to respond. Sarasota Fire Rescue also responded with marine units and an air asset.

"Mr. Connelly did several things right to ensure his safety,” said Richard Hutchinson, a command duty officer at Sector St. Petersburg. “He let close friends know where he was going and when he planned to return. He was also wearing a life jacket, which is one of the most important things a person can do to stay safe. Circumstances on the water are constantly changing and filing a float plan and wearing a life jacket increases a persons chances of survival.” 

No injuries reported. 

-USCG-