Official reports from the U.S. Coast Guard or major news outlets

Coast Guard Rescues Man and Dog 25 Miles off Sanibel Island During Hurricane Helene

Sep 27, 2024, 11:43 AM

The U.S. Coast Guard successfully rescued a man and his dog from a sinking sailboat approximately 25 miles off the coast of Sanibel Island, Florida, during Hurricane Helene on Thursday. The 36-foot sailboat became disabled and started taking on water as the hurricane approached. A helicopter from the Coast Guard's Clearwater air station was dispatched to perform the rescue. Both the man and his dog were brought to safety and are reported to be in good health. The Coast Guard advises those in distress during storms to call for help on VHF Channel 16 or dial 911. The incident occurred as Hurricane Helene barreled through the Gulf of Mexico. Dramatic footage of the rescue was released.