ARIPEKA, FL, UNITED STATES
A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew, from Clearwater, Florida, rescues a 55-year-old man Saturday, April 21, 2018 approximately 1 mile west of Aripeka, Florida. The aircrew hoisted the man and transported him to Air Station Clearwater with no reported injuries.
ARIPEKA, Fla. — The Coast Guard rescued a 55-year-old man from a 25-foot boat Saturdayapproximately 1 mile west of Aripeka.
Rescued was Jeffrey Statkus, 55, from Brooksville.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg received a 911 relay from theHernando County Sheriff's Office at approximately 10:41 p.m., Friday stating Statkus ran aground and was in need of emergency assistance.
A 24-foot Response Boat-Small boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Yankeetown and an HCSO marine unit responded, but were unable to assist due to the location and depth of water.
A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew was launched at 1:44 a.m. The aircrew hoisted Statkus at 2:25 a.m. and transported him to Air Station Clearwater.
A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew was launched at 1:44 a.m. The aircrew hoisted Statkus at 2:25 a.m. and transported him to Air Station Clearwater.
No injuries were reported.
“Fortunately, Statkus had his life jacket on and was also equipped with a flare and a spot light,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Matt Bonneau, operation unit controller at Sector St. Petersburg. “This was a successful rescue because he properly prepared himself with life saving safety gear before he got underway.”
-USCG-
