Boater Rescues 3 After Capsized Boat Near Fort De Soto

When a 12-foot boat capsized near the Bunces Pass Bridge at Fort De Soto this Sunday, three people suddenly found themselves in the water facing a dangerous situation. A passing boater spotted them, pulled all three to safety, and brought them to shore before the Coast Guard even arrived.

No one was hurt, and no names have been released. What could have been a tragedy ended with everyone going home safely because one person was paying attention and ready to act.

The capsized vessel remains in the water for now, tied off near the bridge. The Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg has issued a safety bulletin on Channel 16 to warn other boaters about the hazard while salvage plans are arranged.

Sunny's Take

This rescue shows what being part of a boating community really means. Someone was out enjoying their Sunday on the water, saw people in trouble, and immediately became the difference between a close call and a potential disaster.

The Coast Guard is reminding boaters to operate responsibly and contact watchstanders if a vessel becomes abandoned so salvage can be coordinated quickly. Watchstanders stay available 24/7 for Florida's west coast maritime community, ready to help when things go wrong.

Programming Channel 16 into your routine might seem like a small step. Sunday's rescue at Bunces Pass proved exactly why that simple habit matters when seconds count and lives are on the line.

One person's willingness to help brought three people home safely that day.