Crime & Safety

2 Rescued from Capsized Boat Near Belleair Causeway

U.S. Coast Guard crews pulled two men from the water near Belleair Causeway early Saturday.

Two men aboard a capsized boat along Belleaire Causeway are safe after being rescued early Saturday by U.S. Coast Guard crews.

A good Samaritan alerted Coast Guard crews at the Sand Key station of two men on a 19-foot boat taking on water at around 9 a.m. Neither men had life jackets, according to a U.S. Coast Guard news release.

Coast Guard crews arrived in a 24-foot watercraft and pulled both men from the water safely. 

Both men were in good condition and were taken to the Belleair boat ramp.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Craig Sappo, a crew member at the station, reports:

"Both gentlemen were partially in the water when we arrived on scene, their lifejackets had already drifted away. Everyone is very lucky we got there when we did. Our concern is that because they were not wearing their lifejackets initially, it could have been a much different outcome. We want to stress the Coast Guard may not be able to get there in time, so wear your lifejackets at all times."

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