2 Missing Jet Skiers Found Safe

TAMPA, FL — The successful rescue of two jet skiers reported missing in Tampa Bay Thursday night stands as a reminder for people to have communication devices on board any vessel, U.S. Coast Guard officials say.

According to the agency, its watch standers at Sector St. Petersburg received a 911 transfer call from Hillsborough County just after 8:30 p.m. March 9. The caller reported that two friends who were out jet skiing had gone missing. The caller had initially been with the other two in an area south of the Gandy Bridge when one of the jet skis became disabled.

The caller, an email from the coast guard said, left to go get a tow line. When he returned, he couldn’t find his friends.

After receiving the call, the coast guard dispatched crews from Clearwater and St. Petersburg to look for the missing jet skiers. A Jayhawk helicopter crew from Clearwater found the two safe in the bay around 9:45 p.m.

"It is very important to have a VHF radio on board any vessel when out on the water," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Bonneau. "When in a group of boats, the most important thing is to stay together and communicate for assistance."

The Tampa Police Department’s marine units also assisted in the search, the coast guard reported.

Further information about the rescue, including the names of those involved, is not available.

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard