SAND KEY, Fla.— The Coast Guard rescued nine people off Spoil Island, Florida, after their 31-foot boat was grounded, Wednesday.
At 9:20 p.m. watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Florida, received a report from a Good Samaritan, via VHF-FM channel 16, stating he heard a female screaming for help and saw a red flare north of the Clearwater (Florida) Bridge.
At 9:31 p.m. a 24-foot Special Purpose Craft boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Sand Key was launched, and at approximately 9:45 p.m. arrived on scene. The boatcrew found nine people stranded after their boat was grounded due to low tide.
The boatcrew embarked the people and transported them to the station. There were no reported injuries.
"This situation could have easily been prevented," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Craig E. Sappo, the officer of the day at the station. "We recommend everyone not only have the essential equipment on board including flares, but also ensure they know the area they are transiting before they leave the dock."