Coast Guard Rescues 4 Boaters Near Clearwater Pass

When a recreational boat carrying four people capsized west of Clearwater Pass Sunday, Sept. 1, Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg mobilized to make the resuce.

Several mayday calls came in around 9:48 a.m. from the boat, a Coast Guard media release said.

“Using Rescue 21's fixed position we were able to pinpoint their location of distress," said Petty Officer 1st Class Ronnie Leavell, in the media release. Leavell is a search and rescue coordinator at the sector. 

A 45-foot response boat was launched from the Coast Guard’s Sand Key station. Rescue crews were able to get the four stranded boaters out of the water.

The capsized vessel has been marked as a hazard to navigation. At this time, there are no pollution concerns, the media release said.

"Thankfully, all four were wearing their life jackets," said Leavell. "This case could of turned out much differently if they didn't take proper precautions."