Coast Guard Rescues Boater From Capsized Boat in Florida

When your boat flips in open water, every second counts, and one Florida boater learned Saturday just how critical it is to have neighbors on the water watching out for each other.

A 24-foot vessel capsized on the Banana River near Kelly Park Saturday afternoon, leaving its owner stranded on top of the overturned hull. A passing boater spotted the overturned boat and immediately radioed for help on VHF-FM Channel 16, the international maritime distress frequency.

Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral had a crew already patrolling the area when they heard the distress call around noon. They diverted immediately to the scene and found the boater perched on his capsized boat, waiting for rescue.

The Coast Guard crew brought the man safely aboard their response boat and transported him to Kelly Park Boat Ramp. He reported no injuries and didn't need medical treatment, walking away from what could have been a far worse situation.

Lt. Michelle Goebel, a search and rescue mission coordinator with Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville, credited both the rescuers and the civilian who made the call. She emphasized how having working communications equipment aboard can be critical during maritime emergencies.

Sunny's Take

This story reminds us that being prepared isn't paranoid, it's practical. The boater who made that radio call didn't just pass by hoping someone else would handle it. That simple decision to speak up and the Coast Guard crew's quick response turned a potentially dangerous situation into a story with a happy ending.

The Banana River runs along Florida's Space Coast near Port Canaveral, and like many waterways, conditions can change quickly. The Coast Guard urges all boaters to monitor Channel 16 and ensure their vessels carry working VHF radios, life jackets, and required safety gear before heading out.

The owner will arrange to salvage his capsized boat, and officials reported no pollution or navigational hazards from the incident.

Every boater who heads out prepared with safety equipment and every good Samaritan who keeps watch makes Florida's waterways a little safer for everyone.