The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit assisted in rescuing multiple individuals, including children, after their boat capsized on Monday afternoon.
Just before 3 p.m. on Monday, October 19, Marine Unit deputies, along with the Tampa Police Marine Unit and Tampa Fire Rescue, were dispatched to an area between Davis Island and Bayshore Boulevard were seven people, four adults and three children, were reportedly stranded in the water. Their 18-foot jet boat capsized due to strong winds during a small craft advisory.
HCSO deputies were able to help a mother, father and their seven-year-old daughter from the water as Tampa Fire Rescue safely recovered the remaining two adults and two children. With the help of the Tampa PD, the family's vessel was towed back to the Davis Island Boat Ramp. All seven individuals were checked out by paramedics. Due to the quick actions of law enforcement officers and paramedics in getting the individuals out of the water, no one sustained injuries. All of the individuals on board the boat were wearing life jackets.
"When an emergency happens, jurisdictional boundaries don't matter. We all do our part to help those in need, and I'm thankful that our deputies were able to assist in getting this family to safety," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "This is a reminder to boaters to always pay attention to the weather forecast before going out on the water, and most importantly, to make sure everyone on board your boat has a life jacket. You never know when you'll need it."
Body camera video from HCSO Marine Unit deputies recorded the rescue. It can be viewed by clicking the video below.