Four individuals owe their safety to the quick actions of the Coast Guard Station Marathon crew after their vessel began to quickly take on water off the Florida coast. The nearly catastrophic event took place approximately 11 miles north of Marathon, Florida. According to a press release by the U.S. Coast Guard, the distress call was received around 5 p.m. on Sunday.
The watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Key West picked up the SOS and did not hesitate to respond quickly. A boat crew from Station Marathon was sent to aid the endangered passengers. Upon arrival, the crew managed to embark all four individuals from the sinking vessel, ensuring that none suffered injuries. The rescued were subsequently taken ashore, utilizing the 33rd Street boat ramp for their safe return to dry land.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Zachary Aparo, a Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstander, emphasized the crew's readiness to tackle such emergencies. "Our crews consistently prepare to respond to these situations day and night," he stated. He also credited the successful operation to the prompt distress call, saying, "Thanks to their prompt call for help, we were able to get on scene quickly and conduct a successful rescue before they entered the water," a statement obtained by the U.S. Coast Guard.
