LEE COUNTY, Fla. – A man and his dog whose sailboat had begun taking on water during Hurricane Helene were rescued by the U.S Coast Guard about 25 miles off Sanibel Island.
Video shared to social media shows USCG Air Station Clearwater approach the disabled 36-foot sailboat via helicopter, lowering Aviation Survival Technician Petty Officer 2nd Class Hudson to the white-capping water in a harness.
The man and his dog, both wearing life jackets, can be seen swimming with Hudson back to the harness before being lifted to safety.
According to the post, the rescued duo was taken to Southwest Florida International Airport to meet with EMS and were reportedly in good medical condition as of Friday morning. Their vessel, however, remains adrift.
#Final The man & his dog were reportedly in good medical condition. They were brought to Southwest Florida International airport to meet with EMS. The vessel is adrift and disabled.
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) September 27, 2024
🎥🎬 Recorded by a camera worn by AST2 Hudson, edited by Lt. Cmdr. Kellerman, AirSta Clearwater pic.twitter.com/3ehoIVqlLj
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The Coast Guard recommended using either VHF Ch. 16 to call it for help, or 911 for storm distress.
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