Coast Guard Rescues 6 From Overturned Boat Near Skyway Bridge

TAMPA BAY, FL — Six people were rescued by the Coast Guard near the Skyway Bridge on Saturday as the boat they were on overturned, officials said.

Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders received a distress call and deployed Coast Guard rescue boats from Station St. Petersburg and Station Cortez, officials said.

Two people wearing life jackets were pulled from the water by Station Cortez's rescue crew, and the remaining four on the boat were picked up by Station St. Petersburg's rescue crew, the Coast Guard said.

All six were taken to a local boat ramp without injuries, authorities said.

“Regardless of how a person ends up in the water, wearing a life jacket is the single most important precaution a person can take to increase their chances of survival when situations like this take place,” Capt. Mathew Thompson, commanding officer of Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg said. “This is why we urge all boaters to have life jackets with them.”

Hillsborough County Fire and Rescue also responded, the Coast Guard said.

Sea Tow recovered the vessel and transferred it to a marina, according to officials.