MARCO ISLAND, Fla. — A Coast Guard crew rescued five men when their boat broke down over the weekend off the coast of Marco Island.
The 30-foot boat experienced mechanical issues about 23 miles southwest of the island, according to a Coast Guard press release. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office contacted the St. Petersburg watch standers at 9 a.m. Sunday when the men were overdue after departing at 5 a.m. Friday from Island Marina.
The aircrew spotted the men at 1 p.m., allowing the boat crew to locate them and tow the boat inland. One of the boater’s family members met the crew and transported the men and boat to Island Marina.
Santiago Gomez, a Coast Guard spokesperson, attributed the quick rescue to the boaters who updated their families frequently with their location.
“In this case, constant communication with someone on land ultimately aided search and rescue personnel, providing a narrower search area, resulting in the missing men being found faster,” he said in a statement.
Gomez said he encourages boaters to have a float plan in case of emergency. They can fill out a document and give it to a friend or family member that details their planned trip.