Helicopter Crashes In Gulf Of Mexico

BRADENTON, FL — Three people were rescued Wednesday by a good Samaritan when a helicopter crashed into the Gulf of Mexico, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Randy Warren of the sheriff's office told Patch that the crash occurred off Bean Point where the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay intersect near Anna Maria Island. The U.S. Coast Guard said the crash site was two miles west of Anna Maria Island.

Two crew members from a 29-foot Coast Guard response boat boarded the Good Samaritan's vessel to provide medical assistance to the victims.

“Through the coordination of the good Samaritans, local authorities and crewmen on our boat, we were able to rapidly and safely transport the crash victims to advanced medical care,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Jacob Lettington, who was on the response boat.

"The Coast Guard boat crew provided an escort to Coquina Boat Ramp where emergency medical service personnel were awaiting," the Coast Guard added.

The survivors were brought to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton.

In addition to the sheriff's office and Coast Guard, first responders from the Sarasota Police Department and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission were also on the scene.

Photo courtesy Sarasota Police Department