A Coast Guard Station Key West boat crew rescued two mariners from the disabled sailing vessel, Oria, Saturday, 12 miles north of Key West on Nov. 29.
No injuries were reported and the vessel was anchored due to inclement weather.
At approximately 10:30 a.m., Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders received a 911 relay from a mariner in distress reporting their 30-foot sailing vessel, Oria, was disabled and had been adrift for two days. It was reported they were traveling from Cape Coral to Key Largo.
“We are incredibly grateful we were able to get in contact with these individuals to get them back to their families,” said Chief Warrant Officer Alex Dominicci, command duty officer, Coast Guard Sector Key West. “This case highlights the importance of having multiple means of communication beyond a cell phone on board your vessel, such as a VHF marine radio or an emergency position indicating radio beacon in case of an emergency.”
A safety marine information broadcast was issued warning all mariners to transit the area with caution due to the adrift vessel.
