Coast Guard rescues 5 people in Gulf near Crystal River

CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — Coast Guard crews rescued three adults and two children Sunday afternoon from a sinking boat in the Gulf of Mexico.

The 18-foot boat capsized 10 miles west of Crystal River.

Coast Guard officials responded just before 6 p.m., reporting five people requesting assistance on a capsizing vessel.

A Coast Guard helicopter and boat responded and spotted all five people clinging onto their capsized vessel at about 8 p.m.

The Coast Guard boat crew recovered the people from the water and transported them to Pete’s Pier Marina in Crystal River.

No injuries were reported and the boaters are working with a salvage crew to recover the boat.

“Our crews were able to conduct the rescue safely and efficiently with the best possible results,” said Lt. Scott Kellerman, Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60T Aircraft Commander. “Emergencies at sea can happen anytime, anywhere. We recommend all mariners carry a radio, flares and other distress signals in case they encounter an unexpected situation.”