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WATCH: Florida deputy jumps onto runaway boat

Boat reached speeds of 41 mph with no one at wheel after captain fell off, deputies say

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – A Pinellas County deputy jumped from one speeding boat to another in order to get control of a runaway vessel on Sunday, according to the sheriff’s office.

Investigators said the captain of a boat went overboard, but the boat kept going, reaching speeds of 41 mph with no one at the wheel.

The sheriff’s office said the coast guard tried to use a device to stop the boat’s prop, but it did not work.

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Deputies said a sheriff’s office boat then matched the speed of the runaway vessel. Video shows the deputy was able to climb aboard and take control of the boat.

The driver of the boat was saved by a nearby good Samaritan.

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About the Author
Thomas Mates headshot

Thomas Mates is a Streaming Executive Producer for News 6 and ClickOrlando.com. He also produces the podcast Florida Foodie. Thomas is originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania and worked in Portland, Oregon before moving to Central Florida in August 2018. He graduated from Temple University with a degree in Journalism in 2010.

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