ST. PETERSBURG, Fla— The Coast Guard rescued four men after their 24-foot boat started taking on water near the Sand Key (Florida) Bridge, Friday.
At 5:30 p.m. watchstanders from Coast Guard Station Sand Key received a call via VHF-FM marine radio channel 16 from a man stating his boat was taking on water. He stated the boat's bilge pumps were unable to keep up with the flooding and the men were in need of emergency assistance.
A 5:49 p.m. a 29-foot Response Boat-Small II boatcrew from the station arrived on scene and crewmembers began dewatering the boat. The boatcrew escorted the four men and their boat back to Bellaire (Florida) Boat Ramp.
There were no reported injuries. All four men were wearing their life jackets.
“Going into this holiday weekend we want to remind everyone to make sure you check your vessel before you leave the dock,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Chase Wyatt, a boarding officer at the station. “In addition, always notify us at the first sign of distress, we are constantly monitoring the radios for any emergency situations."