Boating safety protocol after boat containing 3 capsizes in the Gulf

Author: Cristina Pop
Published: Updated:
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
  • Chapters
  • descriptions off, selected
  • captions off, selected

      Three boaters found themselves in a life-threatening situation when their boat capsized in the Gulf.

      The U.S. Coast Guard rescued them off Captiva early Sunday morning.

      After losing contact with the boaters, a family member had grown concerned and reached out for help.

      The Coast Guard responded to the call at 1 a.m. and found the boaters safe and healthy by 3 a.m.

      Capt. Rob Jones shared insights on safety protocols for boating.

      “You have to have life jackets for everyone on board you had got; you have to have your flares, the kind, the stick kind that you hold,” said Jones.

      Jones emphasized the importance of leaving a float plan with someone onshore.

      “Especially when you’re going offshore, you should have a plan on as to where you’re going, where you’re fishing, and leave that plan with someone if you’re heading to a specific coordinate or a specific area,” said Jones.

      The cause of the boat’s capsizing remains under investigation.

      Another captain mentioned that rough weather and a small watercraft advisory were in effect over the weekend.

      Copyright ©2025 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

      This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.