Brian Hamacher

Coast Guard Rescues 2 After Boat Capsizes Near Dry Tortugas

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued two people after their boat capsized some 35 miles northwest of the Dry Tortugas.

In a news release, the Coast Guard said they received a report around 5:24 a.m. Wednesday from an activated Electronic Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon on a 37-foot boat.

Officials launched a helicopter and a Coast Guard cutter to assist in the rescue.

Around 8 a.m. the helicopter crew spotted the vessel with two people sitting on the hull. The crew hoisted both people and transferred them to the crews from Monroe County Fire Rescue at Key West Airport.

There were no injuries.

Chief Petty Officer Nathan Webb says the beacon helped direct the crews to the boat, which saved valuable time.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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