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FWC’s Guardian comes to the rescue
again
June 5, 2007
Contact: Karen Parker, (386) 758-0525
It was the “Guardian” to the rescue once again
Wednesday as the crew saved three fishermen off the coast of
Cedar Key.
The men who were rescued were Kevin Ohmer, 40,
and Jason Burgos, 29, of Ohio, and Keith Adams, 68, of Kentucky.
According to the Guardian’s captain, Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Lt. Kenneth
Mazzeo, he and officers Frank Dimartino and Travis Hooker were
on patrol in the 45-foot "Guardian," heading offshore in rough
conditions when they received a faint mayday call over the VHF
radio.
“The information was vague and difficult to
understand,” Mazzeo said. “I called U.S. Coast Guard to confirm.
The St. Petersburg Coast Guard Station was able to replay the
tape recording and get a partial position.”
The FWC vessel was approximately 18 nautical
miles from that location and proceeded that way.
“When we were about 10 nautical miles away, we
heard that a ‘Good Samaritan’ vessel had assisted three men.
“Apparently the men were fishing from their
21-foot center-console boat when the vessel took on water over
the transom and began to sink. They were able to get only one
radio transmission out,” Mazzeo said.
The FWC crew arrived on scene and transferred
the men to the “Guardian” for transport and medical attention.
“The ‘Good Samaritan’ boat was the charter boat
'Odyssey' and could only make 17 knots,” Mazzeo said. “We were
able to make 35 knots and were preparing for a helicopter rescue
for one of the victims who was in shock.”
Mazzeo was able to determine that Adams was
suffering complications from diabetes. The man was given glucose
and a candy bar.
“When the helicopter arrived, the gentleman was
feeling better and declined the airlift. We transported the men
to Cedar Key where emergency medical service personnel were
waiting,” he said.
According to Mazzeo, the sea conditions were
about 3 to 4 feet with an east wind of about 10-15 knots.
“The men were fishing while drifting and were
not at anchor. The vessel’s engine wasn’t running and the boat
took on too much water over the low transom. The vessel is
currently adrift and a notice to mariners was issued,” Mazzeo
said.
May has been a busy month for the “Guardian.” On
May 9, the crew rescued four fishermen after their 18-foot
runabout sank in rough seas off Hernando Beach.
“With boating season well under way, the FWC is
really stressing boating safety,” Mazzeo said.
Here are some boating safety tips to remember
when on the water:
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Be weather-wise. Consult weather forecasts
before you begin your outing, and get off the water before
bad weather hits.
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Make sure your boat and motor are in good
working condition.
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Check all safety equipment, including life
jackets, fire extinguishers, sound-producing devices and
visual distress signals.
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Maintain a sharp, 360-degree lookout at all
times for traffic and bad weather.
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Florida law requires children under 6 years
old, and all people using personal watercraft or water skis,
to wear life jackets.
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FWC boating safety experts say all boaters
should wear life jackets. For comfort, consider purchasing
the new U.S. Coast Guard-approved inflatable models.
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File a float plan. Tell a responsible person
where and when you are leaving, where you are going and your
estimated time of return.
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Carry a cellular phone, and be sure your VHF
radio is working properly.
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Don't overload your boat with people or
equipment.
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Everyone 21 years old or younger is required
to complete an FWC-approved boater education course to
operate most motorboats. The FWC encourages all boaters to
take a safe-boating course. Information on course
availability is at MyFWC.com.
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Alcohol is a major contributor to boating
fatalities. Often, impaired boaters come off the water and
become impaired drivers, further endangering public safety.
Don’t drink and operate a boat or vehicle.
If you would like more information boating
safety or statistical information on Florida boating accidents,
visit MyFWC.com and click on “Boating.”
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