LEE COUNTY, Fla. — The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Boat Crew rescued four people and their dog from a sail boat Wednesday, south of Sanibel Island.
The group was brought back to the station on Fort Myers Beach with no injuries reported.
"They were taking on water off Sanibel Island," said Petty Officer Nicole Groll with USCG. "They had also lost their sails and they lost their rudder."
According to the report, the crew of the sailing vessel, named North Wind, made contact with Sector St. Petersburg at approximately 7:45 p.m. They had a working cell phone, but little reception.
The passengers attempted to blow a whistle to indicate their location, but with heavy winds and rain, crews were unable to hear it.
"The weather was really bad," Groll said.
At the time of the rescue, waves were reaching four to five feet with winds of 20-25 mph winds.
Still, with no sailing direction, crews immediately jumped into action.
A working radio on the disabled ship was the first little victory. USCG Station Fort Myers Beach was on patrol at the time and responded.
When crews made it to the scene, they found the four people and their Chihuahua safe and ready to get back to dry land.
"We have a safety marine information broadcast going out now, letting people know that the vessel is still out there," Groll said.
