Three boaters were rescued by US Coast Guard crews after their vessel capsized off Captiva on Sunday.
The Coast Guard Fort Myers Beach was notified that a helicopter from Clearwater located the boaters, who were sitting on top of the overturned boat, in good condition.
The rescue efforts came after a family member called the Coast Guard watchstanders around 1 a.m. to report that their last communication with the boaters had been at 8 p.m. on Saturday. The boaters were on a 20-foot center console at the time.
“We successfully located and rescued the three boaters due to the swift coordination between the Coast Guard and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, along with the use of essential search tools,” said Chief Warrant Officer Dennise Werre from Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg. “Creating a float plan with a loved one before heading out is crucial. Float plans provide first responders with key details like the planned route, the number of people aboard, and available safety equipment.”
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