The Coast Guard just rescued six people in the water 25 miles off the coast of North Miami as their boat was sinking, and it said the people were saved because they set off their EPIRB as their boat started to take on water.
A crew on a Coast Guard Dolphin helicopter from Miami received the emergency alert from the boat’s EPIRB about 9 a.m. on Saturday. It located the boat while the 87-foot Coast Guard cutter Cochito raced to the scene. By the time the Cochito arrived, all six people were in the water, and the boat was almost gone.
A Coast Guard small boat crew picked up the six people and took them to dry land at Haulover Park. They all were in good condition.
In a statement, the Coast Guard emphasized the importance of having an EPIRB on board. “This case highlights the importance of how an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon can save your life and the life of your loved ones,” said Lt.j.g. Paul Puddington, commanding officer of the Cochito. “We were able to receive notification, get to the scene quickly, and rescue them from the water before a deteriorating situation became worse.” Read more:
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article228932214.html
