The U.S. Coast Guard mounted a rescue operation for eight stranded boaters whose vessel had become inoperative some 35 miles off the coast of Venice, FL. As was first reported by FOX 13 News, the distress call was placed by an officer from the Venice Police Department who reported the missing boat to the Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders at 1:44 p.m. on the preceding Saturday.
A plane dispatched by the Coast Guard assisted the crew from Station Cortez in locating and retrieving the eight individuals along with their disabled boat, bringing them back to the Venice Inlet boat ramp, WTSP reported.
Reinforcing the importance of preparedness at sea, Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Beasley—a Station Cortez boarding officer—stressed the necessity of leaving a detailed plan with someone onshore before departing, "Before going out on the water make sure you tell someone where you are going and when you will be back," urging boaters to outfit themselves with essential safety equipment, as obtained by WFLA. Beasley advised that such details provide a reliable starting point for rescue operations should an emergency arise.
Among the recommended items for boaters to carry Beasley mentioned are Coast Guard approved life jackets, VHF radio, signaling devices and notably an emergency position indicating radio beacon or a personal locator beacon which can be crucial in promptly locating distressed mariners; these comments from Beasley were echoed in coverage by both WTSP and WFLA.
