Overview
- A Venice Police Department officer reported the 26-foot boat overdue at 1:44 p.m. to Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders.
- An Air Station Miami HC-144 Sentry aircrew located the disabled vessel around 9:30 p.m. in 2- to 3-foot seas with windy conditions.
- A Coast Guard boat crew reached the scene, recovered all eight occupants, and returned them to a boat ramp without injuries.
- Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Beasley urged boaters to share detailed float plans with someone before departing.
- Officials recommended Coast Guard–approved life jackets, a VHF radio, signaling devices, and an EPIRB or personal locator beacon, along with taking a boating safety course.