05-07-2013, 06:10 PM
CEDAR KEY, Fla. - Two men were rescued by Coast Guard crewmembers from a 42-foot fishing vessel approximately 40 miles northwest of here, Sunday.
Rescued were Paul Conners, 47-years-old, and Steve Kapecz, 42-years-old from Bradenton, Fla.
A fisherman aboard the fishing vessel No Bananas contacted watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg via Rescue 21 VHF-FM channel 16 Saturday afternoon, reporting engine trouble and requesting assistance.
An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater arrived on scene early Sunday morning, hoisted the men aboard the Jayhawk and transported them to the air station. No injuries were reported.
Due to rough seas, a good Samaritan was unable to tow No Bananas. The vessel is currently adrift and all mariners are advised to report any sightings.
"It is imperative boaters check the weather before taking to the seas," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Adam Morell, a search and rescue watchstander at the sector. "Weather can be very unpredictable, so checking weather conditions can help boaters stay safe on the water."
Rescued were Paul Conners, 47-years-old, and Steve Kapecz, 42-years-old from Bradenton, Fla.
A fisherman aboard the fishing vessel No Bananas contacted watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg via Rescue 21 VHF-FM channel 16 Saturday afternoon, reporting engine trouble and requesting assistance.
An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater arrived on scene early Sunday morning, hoisted the men aboard the Jayhawk and transported them to the air station. No injuries were reported.
Due to rough seas, a good Samaritan was unable to tow No Bananas. The vessel is currently adrift and all mariners are advised to report any sightings.
"It is imperative boaters check the weather before taking to the seas," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Adam Morell, a search and rescue watchstander at the sector. "Weather can be very unpredictable, so checking weather conditions can help boaters stay safe on the water."