Sheriff Chad Chronister along with the HCSO Marine Unit assisted in the rescue of 11 people from their sinking boat Sunday afternoon.
Sheriff Chronister was on patrol with the HCSO Marine Unit for the Tampa Bay AirFest during the flight of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels when the call came in shortly after a Plant City family launched their boat around 3:30 p.m. The vessel had lost power and began taking on water near the Davis Island Yacht Club.
Arriving to the sinking boat, Sheriff Chronister was able to help a total of 11 people, among them several children, off their vessel and bring them to safety. Beyond the physical safety that was brought by the rescuers, they went above and beyond to make them feel cared for afterwards.
"There was no hesitancy on behalf of the brave men and women of the HCSO Marine Unit, and other agencies, in working together to bring this family back to shore," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "As traumatic and scary as this ordeal was for the adults, and especially the children, we're glad they were able to count on the kindness of our deputies to calm their nerves, and even get some smiles at the end from a very grateful family."
Also assisting in the rescue were Tampa Police, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Tampa Fire Rescue.
