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Video shows Coast Guard rescue boater near Sunshine Skyway Bridge

85-year-old man radioed for help

CLEARWATER, Fla. – A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater aircrew rescued an 85-year-old man near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

According to a news release, the boater radioed for help around 11 a.m. Sunday, reporting engine failure and that he was experiencing heart attack-like symptoms.

“The distressed boater did an outstanding job by hailing over Channel 16 for assistance,” said Lt. Casey Skomer, an operations unit controller at Sector St. Petersburg. “Coast Guard units already in the area for training heard the man’s hail and were able to immediately respond and assist the boater in a timely manner.”

Video shows the man being airlifted on a gurney into the helicopter.

The man was transported to Tampa General Hospital for further medical care. A Station St. Petersburg boat crew also helped with the rescue.


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