Watch: Deputies rescue 11 passengers after boat capsizes off Florida beach, 2 with minor injuries
The vessel reportedly overturned because of strong winds and a large wave.
Watch: Deputies rescue 11 after boat capsizes off Florida beach, leaves two with minor injuries
Watch as the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, aided by the U.S. Coast Guard and several good Samaritans, rescue 11 people after their boat capsized near Fort Myers Beach—reportedly due to a large wave and strong winds. Two passengers were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
FORT MYERS, Fla.- Through the diligent efforts of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, the U.S. Coast Guard and several good Samaritans, 11 people have been safely rescued from the ocean after the boat they were on capsized Tuesday.
Around 2:10 p.m. local time on March 24, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Marine Unit responded to an overturned pontoon boat carrying 11 people near Fort Myers Beach.
SOS: BOATERS RESCUED AFTER 20 HOURS AT SEA WHEN BIRTHDAY PARTY FISHING TRIP WAS TURNED UPSIDE DOWN
LCSO said their Marine Unit arrived at the scene within three minutes of the call.
The vessel reportedly overturned because of strong winds and a large wave.
Officials, with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard and good Samaritans, safely rescued all 11 passengers from the water.
SEE IT: COAST GUARD RESCUES FATHER AND SON AFTER THEIR BOAT CAPSIZES
Video captures the skillful rescue as the crew lift each person from the water onto the boat.
Crews pull 11 people out of the water after the boat they were on capsized near Fort Myers Beach on Tuesday, March 24.
(Lee County Sheriff’s Office / Facebook)
You can even hear the team counting to ensure everyone was accounted for.
According to a local report, crews faced challenges trying to right the boat as strong currents and gusty winds made the operation even more difficult.
Crews tow boat after it capsized carrying 11 people near Fort Myers Beach Tuesday, March 24.
(Lee County Sheriff’s Office / Facebook)
Eventually, they managed to get the boat upright and tow it away.
WATCH: 2 FOUND CLINGING TO FLORIDA BUOY AFTER BOAT HITS CRUISE SHIP WAKE AND SINKS
According to LCSO, two of the 11 were transported to the hospital with minor injuries.