Boat rescue in Florida

Two boaters were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard 73 miles off Boca Grande, Florida, after their 34-foot sailing vessel lost its sail amid the approaching Hurricane Debby. The pair, sailing from Key West to Tarpon Springs, were reported missing by a friend on Saturday as they failed to check in. Rescue operations commenced with aircrews locating the stranded boaters using an HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane, followed by a helicopter airlift under challenging conditions of 50-knot winds and heavy rain. No injuries were reported, and the Coast Guard emphasized the importance of filing a float plan before setting out on the water. Hurricane Debby, which made landfall as a Category 1 storm, is predicted to cause severe flooding across the Southeast following its arrival on Monday morning. This rescue highlights the collaborative efforts of various rescue agencies in ensuring the safety of mariners during severe weather events.