Navy Research Vessel Comes To Rescue of People In Sinking Boat

CLEARWATER, FL — Before the Coast Guard could reach the scene, a Navy research vessel rescued three people from the water Saturday after their boat began taking on water 10 miles west of Clearwater Pass.

Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg received a 911 call at 12:15 p.m. and sent a crew from the Coast Guard Station Sand Key in a 29-foot response boat to the location.

While the boat crew was en route, the crew of Sea Fighter, a Navy research vessel, overheard the distress call and responded to the scene. They brought the three boaters onto their research vessel.

The boaters were taken to the Belleair Causeway Boat Ramp where Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission members were waiting.

There were no reported injuries.

"Our partnerships out on the water greatly improve rescue and response efforts," said Capt. Matthew Thompson, commander of Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg. "We are grateful the Navy crew was able to locate the boaters swiftly and pull them to safety.”