Five People Rescued By Coast Guard Crew Near Fort Myers Beach, Fla.

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. — Five boaters were rescued by Coast Guard crewmembers after their 17-foot vessel capsized approximately one mile west of here, Sunday.

A crewmember aboard the capsized vessel contacted watchstanders at Sector St. Petersburg via 911 at 7:12 p.m., reporting he was taking on water and needed assistance.

A 33-foot Special Purpose Craft-Law Enforcement boatcrew from Station Fort Myers Beach was launched and arrived on scene at 7:31 p.m. They removed the five men from the water and transported them to the station.

"As soon as we got on scene, it took only about two minutes for my crew to get all five people out of the water," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Mitchell Miller, coxswain during the rescue. "A couple of them were cold and upset, but as soon as they saw us they were all smiles."

No injuries reported.

"I'm very happy to report everyone aboard had their life jacket on," said Lt. Ben Oloughlin, a search and rescue watchstander at the sector. "This is a perfect example of how important is to have the proper life saving equipment aboard your vessel in the case of emergency."