Crime & Safety
Coast Guard Rescues Kayakers Under Gandy Bridge
"These kayakers were fortunate that they had the light from the bridge and a cell phone to call for help," said Kevin Coyne, an operations controller at the sector in a news release.
Two male kayakers were rescued by U.S. Coast Guard crewmembers after being stranded underneath the Gandy Bridge Thursday.
According to the Coast Guard, the Tampa Police Department dispatch contacted watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg at 1:50 a.m. Jan 17, regarding two kayakers who became stranded on a platform underneath the Gandy Bridge while fishing.
Their main paddle drifted away during the climb to the platform, a news release said.
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A 25-foot Response Boat was launched at 1:07 a.m., and arrived on scene at 1:24 a.m. The crewmembers transferred the two kayakers and their kayak to the Gandy Boat Ramp where family was waiting.
No injuries were reported.
Find out what's happening in St. Petefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"These kayakers were fortunate that they had the light from the bridge and a cell phone to call for help," said Kevin Coyne, an operations controller at the sector in a news release. "Whether you're on a boat or a kayak, it's always important to prepare for any situation by having the proper emergency equipment."
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