Father, son rescued off Marco Island by Coast Guard

MARCO ISLAND, Fla. – A 50-year-old man and his 27-year-old son were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard off the coast of Marco Island on Sunday.

Juan Martinez, which is the name for the father and son, were planning to wrap up a fishing trip at the Bay View Boat ramp in Naples when they noticed their 23-foot boat would not make the trip back to shore, officials said.

Coast Guard crews conducted a search at about 1 a.m. after the pair did not return to land, officials said.

The men were found stranded 35 miles southwest of Marco Island, the Coast Guard said. They were located largely because they were waving flares, officials said.

Coast Guard officials said the men communicated well and had the proper tools.

“This is a perfect example of why having a float plan, and proper safety equipment is so vital,” Coast Guard officer Jacob Aping said. “The men made the conscious decision to tell someone where they were going and when they would come back, and it expedited our search ten-fold.”

Officials determined that the Martinez’ boat had an electrical malfunction.

No injuries were reported.