Deputies Snatch Three People and Dog From Blazing Boat in Florida

Sheriff’s deputies raced across the Gulf to rescue three adults and a dog after their boat caught fire off Florida’s southwest coast.

Body camera footage released by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office shows Marine Unit deputies pulling alongside a large boat, grabbing its rail and helping passengers in life jackets step across to the patrol vessel on October 15, before the dog is brought safely to the dock.

The boat became engulfed in flames about three miles off Gasparilla Island in the late morning, according to local fire officials, with crews from several surrounding departments responding. No injuries were reported.

“Emergencies on the water can escalate in seconds, but our deputies are always ready to respond when it matters most,” the sheriff’s office said.