Charlotte County Public Safety Rescues Two Divers Clinging to a Crab Trap Buoy

 

 

Charlotte County Public Safety Rescues Two Divers Clinging to a Crab Trap Buoy

Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC

 

 

 
Charlotte County Public Safety
 
From SOS to safe ashore 🚤🌊
 
On April 9 at 8:19 p.m., crews were dispatched to a flashing SOS light 1 to 2 miles offshore northwest of Gasparilla. Marine 1 launched from Gasparilla Marina in high winds and strong outgoing tide, locating two divers about 1.5 miles offshore clinging to a crab trap buoy with a surface marker deployed.
 
The divers had been in the water since around 2:30 p.m. after their vessel broke free from its anchor and drifted away. Crews brought both safely aboard, returned to shore for medical evaluation and warming, and reunited them with family at Station 4.
 
Responding personnel included Lt. Chris Kendrick, Firemedic Kyle Vulgamore, FF/EMT Tony Bagiardi, Firemedic Brian Hutchison, and FF/EMT Todd Schwalbe.
 
This is a good reminder to carry a signaling device, and file a float plan before heading out. It helps responders locate you quickly if something goes wrong.