Two Rescued Near Marco Island, Fla., Due To Heavy Weather

MARCO ISLAND, Fla. — Two people were rescued by Coast Guard crewmembers and Collier County Sheriff's Department members from a 37-foot sailing vessel after they became disabled in heavy seas 13 miles southwest of Marco Island, Monday.

Collier County Sheriff's Department contacted Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders at approximately 7 p.m., reporting they were able to retrieve one person from the sailing vessel but due to inclement weather they were unable to retrieve the second person.

A 41-foot Utility Boat crew from Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach was launched in approximately eight-foot seas, and arrived on scene approximately three hours later. The UTB crew was able to take the sailing vessel in tow and commenced the seven-hour transit to meet BoatU.S. to be relieved from the tow.

BoatU.S. members relieved the UTB crew at approximately 5:20 a.m., and moored the sailing vessel at Marco Island Marina.

No injuries were reported.

"It is imperative boaters check the weather before taking to the seas," said Lt. Mark Upson, a search and rescue watchstander at the sector. "Weather can be very unpredictable, so checking weather conditions can help boaters stay safe on the water."