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CORTEZ, Fla.— The Coast Guard medevaced a 68-year-old man from a charter fishing boat 40 miles southwest of Venice, Florida, Monday.
Rescued was David Defrates, 68, from Longboat Key.
At 10:40 a.m. watch standers from Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg received a call via VHF-FM marine band radio channel 16 from crew members aboard the charter fishing boat, Bad Habit. The crew stated Defrates had fallen unconscious and needed emergency medical attention. A Coast Guard flight surgeon was briefed and recommended the man be medevaced.
A 45-foot Response Boat Medium crew from Station Cortez was launched. When they arrived on scene Defrates was conscious, but was still in need of further medical attention. The crew transported him to Crows Nest Marina, Venice Inlet, where EMS awaited.
"The crew did an amazing job by calling the Coast Guard at the first sign of distress," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Brigitta Lambright, a crew member aboard the RBM. "We hope David gets well and has a speedy recovery."
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