Flares save fishing boat crew in Florida
27/01/2021
A boater alerted Coast Guards at Key West, Florida, after seeing two distress flares fired by a nearby fishing boat.
The boater stayed in radar contact with the Santa Maria fishing boat, which had steering problems and was taking on water, until the coast guard crews arrived.
First on the scene around 80-miles off the coast was a HC-144 Ocean Sentry plane crew, who monitored the vessel until a Coast Guard Cutter arrived. Meanwhile, the fishing crew repaired the problem.
The cutter escorted the fishing boat to Key West sea buoy and a Station Key West crew watched the Santa Maria back to Conch Harbor Marina.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Kellyann Sage, situation unit watchstander at Sector Key West, says, “Having good-working flares onboard ensured we knew this vessel was in distress and could go assist.
“It’s also imperative to ensure your boat has a good working radio and to check if your life jackets and other safety equipment is in good working condition.”
The photo of the Santa Maria is credit of U.S. Coast Guard.
