Coast Guard rescues three after boat capsizes near Little Palm Island
A Coast Guard crew pulled three boaters from the water after their vessel capsized south of Little Palm Island, and all three were taken ashore without injuries.
A Coast Guard Station Marathon crew rescued three people after their boat capsized about five miles south of Little Palm Island, a fast-moving Sunday evening call that ended with all three safe ashore and no injuries reported. The response started at about 5:45 p.m., when Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders received a 911 transfer from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office reporting an overturned vessel with three people in the water.
The Station Marathon boat crew launched quickly, located the boaters and brought them out of the water. The three were transported to Bahia Honda State Park, where they were turned over safely after the incident in the Lower Keys. The vessel remained anchored at sea, and the owner planned to coordinate salvage efforts.
The Coast Guard also issued a safety marine information broadcast for the capsized vessel, a standard step meant to alert other mariners in the area. Petty Officer 3rd Class Dalton Henry, the Station Marathon coxswain on the case, said the crew responded quickly and efficiently to locate all three individuals and reminded mariners that properly fitted life jackets matter because emergencies can happen with little warning.
The rescue underscores how quickly a routine outing on Lower Keys waters can turn into a life-threatening situation. Even when a boat is anchored, changing conditions, instability or another sudden problem can leave people in the water with little time to react. In this case, the chain of response moved from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office to Coast Guard watchstanders, then to a Station Marathon crew on the water and finally to safe transport ashore.
The incident also highlights the importance of basic preparation for Monroe County boaters, especially around Little Palm Island, Little Torch Key and the broader stretch of busy water south of Big Pine Key. Life jackets that fit properly, a clear float plan and close attention to conditions can make the difference when a vessel capsizes without warning.
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