5 Missing Boaters Rescued By Coast Guard Off SWFL Coast: Watch

MARCO ISLAND, FL — Five missing boaters were rescued Sunday afternoon after their 30-foot boat, which suffered mechanical issues, was found about 23 miles southwest of Marco Island, according to a U.S. Coast Guard news release. (Watch a video of the rescue below.)

Collier County Sheriff's Office dispatch contacted Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders, Sunday around 9 a.m. to let them know that five men were overdue after departing from Island Marina, Friday at 5 a.m.

A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew spotted the men on their disabled boat Sunday around 1 p.m.

A Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach boat crew was able to find and help the overdue mariners — Juan Castro-Varela, Jorge Luis Flores-Curbelo, Jesus M. Valdes, Alberides Augusto Milan Perez and one unidentified male.

The boat crew towed the disabled vessel inland and contacted one of the boater's family members, who brought the men and disabled vessel to Island Marina.

“Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders were able to rescue the five men quickly and efficiently because they let their loved ones know where they were going, and updated them frequently with their location,” Petty Officer 3rd Class Santiago Gomez said. “We encourage all boaters to have a float plan and means to communicate during an emergency. In this case, constant communication with someone on land ultimately aided search and rescue personnel, providing a narrower search area, resulting in the missing men being found faster.”

Watch a video of the rescue: