2 Boats Collide Off Sarasota, 8 Rescued By Coast Guard: Watch

SARASOTA, FL — Eight people were rescued after two boats collided 30 miles west of Sarasota on May 17, according to a U.S. Coast Guard news release. (Watch a video of the rescue below.)

A 34-foot commercial fishing boat with two people aboard and a 23-foot vessel with six people aboard were damaged when they collided just before 6 a.m., the agency said.

Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg command center watchstanders were notified of the boating crash and Coast Guard Station Cortez rescue crews responded to the scene.

A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew also responded to the crash and flew one male passenger with a head injury to Tampa General Hospital for treatment, the news release said.

The seven others involved in the crash were transferred to another boat and brought to shore.

“Through the activation of an emergency positioning indicating radio beacon, Coast Guard units were able to locate and assist the other seven people from the vessels in distress,” said Kevin Coyne, Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg. “This rescue is a testament to the teamwork it takes to save lives.”

The owners are coordinating with commercial salvage for the vessels and the cause of the crash is under investigation.

Watch a video of the rescue: