Deputies Haul Two Men From Water as Their Boat Sinks

Sheriff’s deputies threw a rope to two men bobbing in choppy water beside their sinking boat off Florida’s southwest coast and hauled them to safety.

Body camera footage released by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office shows a Marine Unit patrol boat racing toward the nearly submerged vessel on October 18, with only its outboard motor poking above the waves as the two men in red life jackets float alongside. “Grab the rope,” a deputy shouts as he tosses them a line, before pulling them over to the patrol boat’s motors and helping them aboard.

“Man, I’m so glad you guys saw us,” one of the men says, sitting on board in his life jacket. “You didn’t look like much out there,” a deputy replies.

The sheriff’s office said the boaters had tried to signal for help with flares, fire extinguishers, their horn and other means as their vessel took on water just off the coast of Sanibel Island. A third party eventually called 911 to report the emergency, and deputies quickly located the sinking boat and brought both people to safety.

“Here in Southwest Florida, our waterways are a major part of everyday life. That is why we ensure our Marine Unit is equipped and prepared to respond at any time,” said Sheriff Carmine Marceno.