Mariners rescued after Sheriff Rick Ramsay spots sinking vessel

Five men aboard a sinking center console boat near the Old Seven Mile Bridge were rescued Thursday after Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay spotted them from U.S. 1.

There were no life-threatening injuries reported after Middle Keys Marine Deputy Willie Guerra responded to Sheriff Ramsay’s call and brought the men ashore to Marathon at approximately 2:56 p.m. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and U.S. Coast Guard also responded.

“I’m happy to report everyone appears to be OK,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “This is a great example of the awesome teamwork between the Sheriff’s Office and our law enforcement partners with the FWC and the U.S. Coast Guard.”

Sheriff Ramsay was driving near Mile Marker 46 when he spotted the sinking boat on the bayside with a dive flag out. He alerted Sheriff’s Office 911 Communications Specialists. Marine Deputy Guerra was nearby and made it to the scene in approximately one minute.

The FWC is investigating the cause of the vessel sinking.

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]