Aviation Unit Rescues Ruskin Man After Boat Capsizes On River

RUSKIN, FL – A casual, early-morning fishing trip turned into a rescue operation when a Ruskin man capsized his boat on the Little Manatee River.

Robert Sickler, 46, told Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies that he took his jon boat out on the river Thursday, Feb. 22, to do some fishing when the tide recede into the bay. Sickler said he headed to shore but the current became so strong, it pulled his boat into a pylon by the U.S. 41 bridge and capsized it.

Sickler said he tried to paddle to the shore while lying on top of the boat but the current was too strong and he became too tired to fight it. A nearby resident heard him calling for help and dialed 911 around 2 a.m.

Hillsborough County sheriff’s units and the sheriff’s helicopter arrived in the area of 10th St. S.W.. and Woodland Estates Avenue and found Sickler stranded on top of his overturned jon boat.

He was too far from shore for the deputies to throw him a rope so the helicopter lowered a small inflatable raft for Sickler to use.

He was able to use the raft to make his way to the shoreline where he was checked by Hillsborough County Fire Rescue personnel and pronounced fit.

Video via Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office