A fast-thinking boater and a Monroe County marine deputy jumped into action Sunday to pull three teenagers from the water after their flats-style boat turned into a runaway off Islamorada. The teens were hauled aboard by a good Samaritan and were not hurt, according to authorities.
Runaway Skiff Tears Through Crowded Keys Waters
The unmanned flats-style vessel kept barreling along at about 35 miles per hour through a busy stretch of channel off Mile Marker 89, between Key Largo and Marathon, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said, according to the Miami Herald. Officials warned that the mix of speed, shallow flats and heavy weekend traffic turned the scene into a particularly risky situation.
Deputy, CBP Agent and Good Samaritan Tag-Team the Runaway Vessel
Marine Deputy Nelson Sanchez raced alongside the out-of-control boat while a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent and a TowBoatUS crew moved in to help. A deputy’s body camera captured Sanchez saying, “Carlos, I’m going to try to shoulder it and hit the throttle,” as reported by WSVN. The deputy and the good Samaritan eventually drew close enough for one of them to reach the controls with a long boat hook and bring the vessel to a stop, video shows.
Good Samaritan Scoops Up Teens as Agencies Converge
A passing boater pulled the three teens from the water around 1 p.m. while the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office marine unit, a CBP vessel and TowBoatUS rushed to the scene, the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement reported by the Miami Herald. An entangling device used on the runaway flats boat managed to slow it but could not completely stop it, and deputies said the rapid, coordinated response helped prevent a tragedy. None of the teenagers needed medical treatment, officials said.
Boating Safety Reminder as Summer Heats Up
Authorities urged boaters to brush up on basic safety measures, including wearing life jackets, using engine cut-off switch lanyards and keeping a proper lookout, as summer traffic on the water increases. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission offers safety guidance and regulatory information for recreational boaters.
