A Charlotte County Sheriff's Marine Patrol boat found a 31-foot sailboat 10 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico off Stump Pass after receiving a call at 6:19 a.m. Monday about a lone boat captain in distress. It was taken to Gasparilla Marina for repairs.
The captain had called the U.S. Coast Guard saying his boat was taking on water, lost power and his battery was dead.
CCSO Communications provided the latitude and longitude of the sailboat location. The CCSO Marine Patrol Boat was first on scene at 7:35 a.m. and began towing the sailboat in 4-5 foot seas with rolling waves.
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Sailboat pulling dingy as Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol.
The USCG out of St. Petersburg arrived about a half-hour later and took over the situation. The Sheriff's Marina Patrol boat then made sure the sailboat got to Gasparilla Marina for repairs.
The sailboat captain is out of the greater New Orleans area and rented the sailboat in St. Petersburg. Further details are available from the USCG.
