Couple, Two Dogs Rescued After Boat Flooded With Water

U.S. Coast Guard rescued a couple and their two dogs on Monday after a 32-foot boat started taking on water 5 miles south of the Gandy Bridge in Tampa.

The mayday call came in just before 5 p.m., followed minutes later by a 911 call that the boat had run aground earlier and was now taking on water.

The boater said he was making his way to the marina, but water was still flooding into the boat, according to Coast Guard spokesperson Ashley Johnson.

A boat crew from Station St. Petersburg launched and arrived at the scene at 5:21 p.m. and began dewatering operations. The boaters were transported to the Hula Bay Marina. No injuries ere reported.

“The man made the correct and educated decision to continue making way toward the marina,” said Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Timothy C. Kane. “And, it was great to see they were wearing their lifejackets, even the dogs were wearing life jackets.”