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News Release
FWC, Coast Guard rescue missing boaters
October 31, 2007
Contact: Henry Cabbage 850-528-1755
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rescued three missing boaters and a dog around 3 p.m. Wednesday. The vessel had been reported missing when the occupants did not return to shore Monday.
The FWC dispatched a helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft to search the Keaton Beach area in Taylor County for the 19-foot boat named “Snowbird.” Officers spotted the vessel 32 miles offshore from Keaton Beach and sent the FWC boat “Guardian” to rescue the victims. One of the victims required emergency medical attention, and the U.S. Coast Guard sent a helicopter to hoist him aboard and transport him to a medical facility.
The “Guardian” transported the other two people and the dog to shore safely.
The victims’ identities were not immediately available, but they reportedly are from Georgia, according to the FWC.