Watch Fla. Sheriff, Deputies Help Rescue Family from Sinking Boat

March 29, 2022
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister and his deputies were on patrol with the Marine Unit when they saved 11 people on a boat that suddenly lost power and was taking on water.

By Cassandre Coyer

Source The Charlotte Observer

Authorities rescued a family after their boat lost power and started sinking in Florida.

A family of 11 from Plant City, about 25 miles east of Tampa, launched their boat the afternoon of March 27, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

But shortly after launching, their vessel suddenly lost power and started to take on water, deputies said.

Sheriff Chad Chronister was on patrol with his Marine Unit during the flight of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels at Tampa Bay’s Airfest when the call came, according to a news release.

Chronister said that deputies arrived on the scene within minutes and saved 11 people, including several children, according to a Twitter post.

“There was no hesitancy on behalf of the brave men and women of the HCSO Marine Unit, and other agencies, in working together to bring this family back to shore,” Chronister said in a news release.

“As traumatic and scary as this ordeal was for the adults, and especially the children, we’re glad they were able to count on the kindness of our deputies to calm their nerves, and even get some smiles at the end from a very grateful family,” he added.

Deputies said the U.S. Coast Guard, Tampa Fire Rescue and Tampa Police Department assisted with the rescue.

______

©2022 The Charlotte Observer.

Visit charlotteobserver.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Sponsored Recommendations

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Officer, create an account today!