Six Rescued From Sinking Boat

Six divers were rescued off the Treasure Island coast Thursday, after their 24-foot boat started to take on water and roll in choppy seas.

Officers from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission pulled the six into boats, with no serious injuries. They were able to locate the divers by flares the six had shot off to signal for help.

William and Nikki Kadryna of Pennsylvania, Ralph Gonzalez and Mildred Collazo of New Jersey and Robert and Luz Rusyn of Pennsylvania, were out diving aboard the "Miss Kathy Too" as part of a vacation to Florida.

The 24-foot boat was six miles west of John's Pass when it started taking on water, in three to four foot seas. The boat pump failed, and the vessel started to roll. The boaters called for help.

When deputies arrived at the scene, they found all six passengers in the water. They had shot out emergency flares to attract attention. 

All six were transported to Don's Dock in Madeira Beach, 215 128th Ave., Madeira Beach. The U.S. Coast Guard and Eckerd College Search & Rescue also responded.

One of the female passengers, 49-year-old Mildred Collazo, complained of skin
irritation. Upon arrival on shore, she was treated by Madeira Beach
Fire Rescue. No other injuries were reported..

Arrangements are being made to retrieve the partially submerged "Miss Kathy Too."