Coast Guard Rescues Boaters Following Collision Near Clearwater

CLEARWATER, FL — The Coast Guard responded to a collision between two boats near Clearwater Beach Thursday in an accident that injured one person.

At approximately 7 a.m., the Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg command center was notified of a 21-foot vessel and an 18-foot vessel colliding. Station Sand Key rescue crews arrived 15 minutes later to assist.

The Coast Guard crew brought three people from the two boats aboard a Coast Guard 45-foot Response Boat – Medium and then transferred them to waiting emergency medical personnel on shore.

“The four people aboard both vessels wore their life jackets, which could have saved their lives if they fell in the water during the collision,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Jamyson Trancso, Station Sand Key coxswain. “Not only should people wear life jackets, it is also important for mariners to use their navigation lights at night, check the weather before going out, have a marine radio and an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon available in case of an emergency.”

The owners are coordinating with commercial salvage companies to tow the boats into shore.