Local Sea Tow Captain Recognized For 'Going Above And Beyond'

CLEARWATER, FL — Sea Tow Services International – the nation’s leading on-water assistance provider – has recognized local Capt. Colby Biondo of Sea Tow Clearwater/Port Richey for efforts going above and beyond the call of duty on the water in 2020.

Biondo received the Efforts Above and Beyond Award during Sea Tow’s annual meeting, which was held virtually at the end of last year due to the coronavirus. The award was presented for actions Biondo took when he was notified of a swimmer in need of a rescue.

The currents were raging as Biondo, an expert navigator, was on patrol around the Clearwater Pass. Water was jumping inside his boat as he steered along his usual path, but something was even more unusual than the strong spray of the Gulf. He saw a swimmer in trouble, struggling to catch his breath and fighting against the rough seas.

Biondo saw the flashing of the Clearwater Police Department’s bright blue lights as they attempted to rescue the swimmer. The individual, who was clinging to the sharp, slippery rocks of the Clearwater Pass jetty, was in serious trouble.

Members of the police department asked if Biondo could get close enough to rescue the swimmer, who embraced the rocks with all of his might. It took a few attempts to maneuver his boat against the raging waters, but Biondo was able to expertly navigate towards and pull the swimmer aboard his distinctive yellow boat. The swimmer was safely brought back to shore where he received medical treatment.

“We are grateful to have captains like Capt. Biondo as part of the Sea Tow network,” said Sea Tow Services International CEO Joseph Frohnhoefer III. “We are honored to present him with our company’s Efforts Above and Beyond Award for his expertise and response in this situation.”

This press release was produced by Sea Tow Services International Inc. The views expressed here are the author's own.