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St. Petersburg, Fla.-(970 WFLA)-The Coast Guard assisted two adults and three children Monday evening from their disabled 18-foot pontoon boat one mile south of the Gandy Boat Ramp.
Just after 6 p.m., the St. Petersburg Coast Guard Station received a report via 911 relay from the captain of the pontoon boat stating his engine was disabled and he needed emergency assistance.
The coast guard watch-standers advised those on board the pontoon boat to put on their life-jackets and anchor their boat.
The Coast Guard then launched a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boat crew from Station St. Petersburg to assist. At 6:47 p.m., the boat crew arrived and took the disabled pontoon boat in tow.
"We were very happy to find all the boaters wearing their life-jackets once we got on scene," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Aaron Massey, Station St. Petersburg boat crew member.
"We urge all boaters to wear their life-jackets at all times when underway, because you don't want to scramble to find one during an emergency."
The Coast Guard crew brought the boaters and their boat to the Gandy Boat Ramp at 7:50 p.m. No injuries were reported.
"We ask all mariners to ensure they have a working VHF-FM marine-band radio on board to ensure good communications in case of emergencies," said Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew Bonneau. "Cell phones can be spotty and unreliable while underway."
Photo Credit: U.S. Coast Guard St.Petersburg