Coast Guard Rescue 2 Adults, 3 Kids Aboard Crippled Boat

ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- The Coast Guard rescued two adults and three children Monday, March 13, from their crippled 18-foot pontoon boat when its engine failed one mile south of the Gandy Boat Ramp.

At 6:03 p.m., the Coast Guard received a 911 relay from the captain of the pontoon boat stating his engine was disabled and he needed emergency assistance.

The crew was told to don life jackets and anchor the boat. The Coast Guard then sent a 45-foot Response Boat from Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg to assist.

At 6:47 p.m., the boat crew arrived and took the disabled pontoon boat in tow.

"We were very happy to find all the boaters wearing their life jackets once we got on scene," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Aaron Massey, Station St. Petersburg boat crew member. "We urge all boaters to wear their life jackets
at all times when underway because you don't want to scramble to find one during an emergency."

The Coast Guard crew transported the boaters and their boat to the Gandy Boat Ramp at 7:50 p.m. No injuries were reported.

"We ask all mariners to ensure they have a working VHF-FM marine-band radio on board to ensure good communications in case of emergencies," said Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew Bonneau, a watchstander
at Sector St. Petersburg. "Cell phones can be spotty and unreliable while underway."

Images via Coast Guard