MIAMI — Four people are safe after the Coast Guard rescued them from their capsized vessel near Big Pine Key, Florida, Sunday night.At approximately 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Coast Guard Sector Key West received a report of an overdue 21-foot pleasure craft with four people aboard that departed Marathon, Florida, and never returned by sunset as planned. Sector Key West issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast (UMIB) and launched both air and sea assets.After issuing the UMIB, sector Key West received a call from someone aboard the capsized vessel who provided their position. Coast Guard Station Marathon diverted to the position, located the capsized vessel and embarked all four people who were sitting atop the capsized vessels hull at approximately 9 p.m.
"This case highlights the importance of filing a float plan which can directly contribute to the Coast Guard's ability to successfully locate and rescue mariners in distress," said Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Pintabona, watchstander at Coast Guard Sector Key West.The four individuals were taken to Station Marathon where local emergency medical services were waiting. No medical concerns were reported.