5 Rescued By Good Samaritans And Deputies After Boat Sinks In Tampa Bay

Authorities in Florida on Friday released body-worn camera video of deputies and good Samaritans helping rescue five people from a sinking boat in Tampa Bay earlier this month.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said the region’s 911 center received a call on April 5 about an overturned vessel near Spoil Island in Tampa Bay. The 911 dispatcher contacted the sheriff’s office’s Marine Section, which located the sinking boat.

Video shared by the sheriff’s office shows several good Samaritan boats surrounding the sinking vessel. A deputy throws a rope to one person clinging to the overturned vessel in order to pull them to safety.

The sheriff’s office said four other passengers from the capsized vessel had already been rescued by passing boats that stopped to help. All five occupants were transported to the Williams Park boat ramp for evaluation, and were reported to be fine.

“This rescue is a reminder of the life-saving role our 911 dispatchers play every day,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “Their fast thinking and coordination with our Marine Section ensured a quick response that helped bring everyone to safety.”