5 People Rescued After Boat Capsizes Off FL Coast: U.S. Coast Guard

CITRUS COUNTY, FL — Two children and three adults were rescued after their 18-foot boat capsized 10 miles west of Crystal River Sunday, the U.S. Coast Guard Southeast said in a news release. (Watch video from the rescue below.)

Sea Tow Crystal River dispatch contacted Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders about the capsized vessel requesting assistance around 6 p.m.

All five people were spotted clinging to their capsized vessel around 8 p.m. by a Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircrew, Coast Guard Station Yankeetown boat crew and a commercial salvage crew.

The Coast Guard boat crew recovered them from the water and brought them to Pete’s Pier Marina for care from emergency medical services.

There were no injuries reported and the mariners are coordinating the boat’s recovery with the commercial salvage company.

"Our crews were able to conduct the rescue safely and efficiently with the best possible results," Lt. Scott Kellerman, Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60T aircraft commander, said. “Emergencies at sea can happen anytime, anywhere. We recommend all mariners carry a radio, flares and other distress signals in case they encounter an unexpected situation.”

Watch a video from the rescue: