LEE COUNTY, Fla. — A man and his dog were rescued Friday morning after a distress call in Lee County.
Captiva Island Fire District Fire Chief Jeff Pawul says the Captiva Fire/Rescue was called out around 6:00 a.m. for a watercraft distress call.
It happened just off the coast of Sanibel Island.
Firefighters say the victim did have safety measures in place but did experience mechanical failures which put him in a potentially dangerous situation.
Chief Pawul says the man and his dog are both doing okay and are being evaluated but were brought ashore by rescue crews.
Lee County Sheriff's Office helicopter assisted the crews in locating the vessel in choppy sea conditions.
Here is a reminder for boaters as they head out on the water.
Boater safety is of the utmost importance when out on the water no matter the weather conditions, but some of the most important suggestions to follow include following a pre-departure check to verify your vessel is safe with the proper safety gear needed for everyone on board (including pets), be weather-wise and verify the conditions are safe enough for both your vessel and your boating experience level, weather conditions can change rapidly in Southwest Florida, Use common sense to determine if you should really be out, and develop a float plan so others know where you’ll be and when to expect your return.
Jeff Pawul, Fire Chief
