The U.S. Coast Guard Station Cortez reported multiple rescues through the Memorial Day weekend.
A Station Cortez rescue crew rescued four people from a capsized vessel about 40 miles west of Anna Maria Island, according to a news release.
An emergency locator indicated a radio beacon was activated at approximately 8 a.m. May 27, alerting Coast Guard watchstanders of the situation.
An Air Station Clearwater helicopter crew and a Station Cortez boat crew launched.
The aircrew located the boat and the Cortez crew plucked the boaters — all wearing life jackets — from the water.
The people were reported in good health and a safety marine information broadcast was issued for their capsized vessel.
A Station Cortez rescue crew, assisted by West Manatee Fire Rescue, also saved three people, May 27 at approximately 11 p.m., after their boat took on water and capsized in the vicinity of Woody’s River Roo on the Manatee River.
The river boaters also were wearing life jackets.
“Everyone rescued within the past 24 hours had all the necessary safety equipment aboard for a successful rescue,” said Petty Officer Zachary Smith, Station Cortez.
Coast Guard Cortez and WMFR also responded at about 9 p.m. May 26 to a situation off Bean Point in Anna Maria, where a boat taking on water was beached near the Anna Maria City Pier.
In another incident at about 8:25 p.m. May 26, Coast Guard Cortez and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office assisted an individual who required medical attention from a vessel anchored about a half mile south of Cortez at Cow Key.
— Robert Anderson