Coast Guard rescues 8 people over 2 cases in Key West

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

Coast Guard rescues 8 people over 2 cases in Key West

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KEY WEST, Fla. — The Coast Guard rescued a total of eight people Monday from two back-to-back cases in Key West.

In the first case, Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders received a report from a good Samaritan of a capsized 20-foot cabin cruiser near Key Colony Beach. Watchstanders launched a Coast Guard Station Marathon 33-foot Special Purpose Craft—Law Enforcement crew who arrived on scene, embarked the four people who were in the water and transferred them to Marathon Shore Marina with no medical concerns. 

In the second case Sector Key West watchstander received a report of a 17-foot pleasure craft taking on water approximately 9 miles southeast of Marathon. Watchstanders launched a Station Marathon 33-foot Special Purpose Craft—Law Enforcement crew who arrived on scene, embarked the four people involved and transferred them to commercial salvage who helped dewater and tow the vessel to Key Haven Marina.

"In both cases, VHF radio channel 16 was used to contact the Coast Guard and launch rescue operations," said Ensign Erin Woods, watchstander at Sector Key West. "Having the right safety and communications equipment onboard can make a big difference if you find yourself in a dangerous situation out on the water."

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