6 People Rescued By Coast Guard Helicopter From Sinking Boat

Tampa, FL — The Coast Guard rescued six people from a 26-foot pleasure boat that began taking on water Sunday about 16 miles west of Bayport.

A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawks helicopter crew arrived on the scene, hoisted the six people off the boat and transported them to the air station. There were no injuries.

The boat captain contacted Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg at 3 p.m. requesting assistance on VHF-FM Channel 16.

“Channel 16 is a critical lifeline between boaters in distress and the Coast Guard,” said Lt. Jonathan Baucom, Air Station Clearwater operations duty officer. “Having a reliable communications device like a VHF marine radio can save your life when you need assistance.”