11 People Rescued From Sinking Boat During Tampa Bay AirFest

Tampa FL

28 March, 2022

11:19 PM

Description

TAMPA, FL — Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister along with the sheriff's Marine Unit assisted in the rescue of 11 people from their sinking boat Sunday afternoon. Chronister was on patrol with the Marine Unit for the Tampa Bay AirFest during the flight of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels when the call came around 3:30 p.m., shortly after a Plant City family launched their boat. The vessel had lost power and began taking on water near the Davis Islands Yacht Club. Upon arrival, Chronister was able to help 11 people, among them several children, off boat and bring them safely on land. "There was no hesitancy on behalf of the brave men and women of the HCSO Marine Unit, and other agencies, in working together to bring this family back to shore," said Chronister. "As traumatic and scary as this ordeal was for the adults, and especially the children, we're glad they were able to count on the kindness of our deputies to calm their nerves, and even get some smiles at the end from a very grateful family." Also assisting in the rescue were Tampa Police, the U.S. Coast Guard and Tampa Fire Rescue.