A boat fire and a capsized vessel off the shores of the Florida Keys drew response from the U.S. Coast Guard Islamorada Station.
Earlier in the month, crew members responded to the report of an overturned boat off the waters of Tavernier where three people were rescued on Oct. 9. Petty Officer 2nd Class Logan Venero, coxswain at Coast Guard Station Islamorada, said instances like these are reminders to have proper protective gear when recreating on the water.
““Having the proper protective gear can increase the chances of survivability in the event of an accident,” he said.
Matt James, commanding officer of Coast Guard Station Islamorada, extended his appreciation to partner agencies that assisted in the case. “Their quick response assisted in the success of the rescue.”
Just days later on Oct. 11, Coast Guard Station Islamorada responded to a report of a vessel fire in the vicinity of the Whale Harbor bridge. A boat crew led by Venero used the response boat’s anchor to pull the burning vessel clear of the bridge and mangroves. Their quick thinking averted the situation from worsening and prevented the fire from impacting traffic on Overseas Highway or spreading to the mangroves.
The crew then transported the survivors back to land where one was treated by EMS for minor burns. This incident is a reminder to make sure fire extinguishers are serviceable and accessible in case of emergencies.
