Video: Teen Rescued After Falling Off Jet Ski In Tampa Bay

TAMPA, FL — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office rescued a 17-year-old boy after he fell off a jet ski Saturday near Fantasy Island in Tampa.

Just after 7 p.m., a teen jet ski operator approached a deputy at the Davis Islands Boat Ramp at 864 Severn Avenue in Tampa and frantically explained that his friend who was riding the jet ski with him had fallen off somewhere in Tampa Bay while they were traveling from Fantasy Island.

The sheriff's marine unit backtracked the teen's route on the water while the sheriff's helicopter followed from the air, and the sheriff's office was able to locate the teen in the water. The teen, who was uninjured, was brought on board the sheriff's boat and taken to Davis Islands.

"This was such a frightening situation," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "This is a high-traffic boating area, making it especially hazardous. I'm so glad these teens wore life vests because this could've ended tragically. I commend our deputies for acting so quickly."