Vessel Lost off Elliot Key

[Snore]

http://coastguardnews.com/two-people...at/2013/12/06/


Two people are safe after Coast Guard rescues them from their sinking sailboat Dec 6th, 2013

Miami – Two people were rescued from the water by the Coast Guard after their boat sank off the coast of Elliot Key, Fla., just before midnight Thursday. A Coast Guard Air Station Miami MH-65 helicopter crew was flying when they witnessed two flares. The crew immediately diverted to the direction of the flares and within 10 minutes, arrived on scene and found one person in the water and one person clinging to the mast of a sunken sailboat. After assessing the scene, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer was lowered into the water, and rescued both men.

“Despite the Coast Guard arriving within 10 minutes after sinking, one man had already drifted approximately 200-yards from the sailboat. Both men were prepared for a potential emergency and had flares, a VHF-radio, flashlights, and were wearing life jackets which made rescuing much easier in the pitch black conditions,” said Lt. Chris Branning, co-pilot involved in the rescue. “Their emergency safety equipment was their saving grace.” Both men were brought back to Coast Guard Air Station Miami where they received basic medical attention.

Weather on scene at the time of the hoist was reported 15-18 knot winds and 5-7 foot seas.

[HappyMdRSailor]

+1 For being prepared.... Congrats on not creating more tragedy....

[bbowers2004]

The weather doesn't sound too rough, although they seemed to have been very lucky, as the helicopter doesn't sound as if it was going to get them and was just in the area.

[ontherocks83]

Glad to hear they were ok!!! I guess that puts a +1 to still carrying traditional flares on board. Apparently they can save lives.