MIAMI (AP) – The United States Coast Guard says the rescue of four people near Big Pine Key illustrates the importance of a float plan.
The Coast Guard in Key West received a report of an overdue boat on Sunday evening. The 21-foot pleasure craft had departed from Marathon with four people on board and didn’t return as planned.
Officials issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast and sent rescue crews by air and sea. After issuing the alert, the Coast Guard received a call from someone aboard the capsized boat who provided their position.
All four people were found sitting on top of the overturned vessel about 9 p.m. Sunday.
They were taken to the Coast Guard station in Marathon. No medical concerns were reported.