SARASOTA, Fla. — A high-speed rescue effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies unfolded in Sarasota Bay after a boater was thrown overboard, leaving his 26-foot Everglades boat circling the water unmanned at about 40 mph, CBS 12 News reported.
The SPD Marine Unit, along with the U.S. Coast Guard, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, Venice Police Department and SeaTow, responded to the scene.
The boater, who was not wearing a life jacket and had failed to engage the boat’s emergency engine cut-off switch, was reportedly returning from a boat show at Marina Jack when a larger vessel crossed in front of him, according to the report.
He tried to turn his vessel to avoid a collision but was thrown into the water by the wake.
As the unmanned boat continued to circle, officials attempted several times to stop it using tow lines. The vessel was finally slowed when SeaTow deployed a specialized plasma tow line, allowing Sarasota Police to maneuver their boat alongside it, video shows. An SPD lieutenant then boarded the vessel and brought it safely to shore.
The boater was rescued with minor injuries. No damage was reported to any responding vessels or to the boat itself.
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