MIAMI — Two people were rescued by a Coast Guard aircrew after their boat capsized and sank 256 miles west of Key West, Florida, late Wednesday.
The Coast Guard 8th District Command Center in New Orleans relayed the distress to Coast Guard 7th District Command Center watchstanders in Miami, and reported the fishing vessel Hawaii Five-1, with two people aboard, was listing and machinery aboard the boat had broken loose.
Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Florida, launched a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk rescue helicopter crew along with an HC-130 Hercules aircraft. The Hawaii Five-1 subsequently sank and the Jayhawk crew safely hoisted both individuals from a life raft. Both survivors were transferred to Key West International Airport where local emergency medical services were waiting.
No major medical concerns were reported.
Last year during the holiday season there were was a dramatic video rescue off Steinhatchee, Florida. Here’s their story, and the video is below.
Press release courtesy of USCG.