Cortez Coast Guard Crew Rescues 2 Stranded In Big Miguel Pass

CORTEZ, FL — Two people are safely back on dry land after their personal watercraft capsized 500 yards west of Big Miguel Pass Monday, July 2.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Station Cortez were transferred a 911 call from Manatee County Dispatch at 8:20 p.m. from a personal watercraft operator stating he and another man were capsized and in need of emergency assistance.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg command center launched A 29-foot Response Boat-Small II boat crew from Station Cortez to assist. Marine unit personnel from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Manatee County Sheriff's Office were requested to assist as well due to the shallow water in the area.

At 9 p.m., the RBS crew located the John Miller, 50 and Shane Schaltz, 51, in the water. Both were wearing their life jackets. The boat crew transported them to Bradenton Yacht Club where EMS was waiting.

The RBS crew attempted to tow the personal water craft but cancelled the tow due to unsafe conditions.

Image via USCG