U.S. Coast Guard rescues 8 people from sinking boat

SANIBEL, Fla. – Eight people were rescued just before 1 a.m. on Saturday morning off the coast of Sanibel after their boat started taking on water.

The U.S. Coast Guard says without the proper safety equipment they used, it could have been a much different outcome.

Life jackets, flare guns, and two-way radios are just a few things boaters should always have on board.

“Definitely should have a fire extinguisher,” said Tommy Stewart.

“Proper life jackets and just follow the Coast Guard’s requirements,” said Mackenzie Malloy.

“I carry a first aid kit in case of emergencies,” Stewart said.

Stewart has been boating since he was a teenager and safety out on the water is not something he takes lightly.

“Don’t think you’re safe out there just because it’s a beautiful day, because you can get a cold front that blows in a lot of waves and stuff,” he said.

That’s what happened to a boat crew early Saturday morning. A 26-foot boat with eight people on board started taking on water miles away from the coast after both engines failed.

“There was a pretty heavy storm that came through, unfortunately right at the same time. So with that, they had 4 to 5-foot seas out there,” said Grant Lacy, a petty officer with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Fortunately, every crew member had a life jacket and they were able to call for help using a cell phone. The Coast Guard told them how to shoot off a flare to help them find the boat.

“Approximately a mile and a half away, our boat was able to see it –clear as day– and we were able to go straight to that vessel to be able to assist them,” Lacy said.

The Coast Guard towed the crew back to the Punta Rassa dock, which took about five hours. They want to use this as a reminder to have the right gear on board and know how to use it.

“Having the life jacket on board and actually putting it on when they were in the distress situation was the difference between life and death,” Lacy said.

All eight crew members were brought back safely and no one was hurt.