A U.S. Coast Guard crew rescued four people on Sunday after their 26-foot catamaran overturned in waters about five miles south of Boot Key Harbor off the coast of Marathon, Florida.
Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders coordinated the emergency response after receiving a mayday call over VHF-FM Channel 16. A rescue boat crew stationed at Marathon was dispatched to the coordinates, quickly located all four individuals on top of the capsized vessel, and brought them safely aboard.
Authorities reported that no injuries or pollution concerns resulted from the incident. The identities of the four rescued boaters have not been publicly released by officials, and the exact cause of the capsizing remains under investigation.
The rescue took place while a small craft advisory was active for the area. Following the operation, Petty Officer 3rd Class Jackson Boggs, the coxswain for the rescue mission, emphasized the importance of proper preparation and communication gear on the water.
Boggs noted that the availability of a marine radio enabled the boaters to transmit an immediate distress signal and receive a rapid response. He urged all mariners to thoroughly check local marine weather forecasts and ensure they carry essential safety equipment before heading out onto the water.
