Coast Guard Called Out To Rescue 12 People During Two-Day Period

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – After rescuing 12 people in Tampa Bay over a 48-hour period, the U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg is urging voters to make sure they have their safety gear and check the weather before launching.

"As the Tampa Bay region warms up and more people begin to use the waterways, we urge boaters to check the weather and their safety gear before departing,” said Lt. Jason Holstead, a search and rescue mission coordinator at Sector St. Petersburg. "In addition, boating safety courses are a great resource available through your local Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadron."

The latest rescue took place Sunday when seven people, including two children ages 6 and 7, were stranded aboard a 14-foot boat in Tampa Bay.

Sector St. Petersburg received a call Sunday just before 7 p.m. from Edrick Martinez, 38, who said a rope had become wrapped around the propeller of their boat, making the engine inoperable and sending the boat adrift.

All seven people were safely brought to shore.

Images via Coast Guard