Septuagenarian Rescued from Grounded Sailboat
The Coast Guard rescued a 76-year-old man after his sailboat ran aground in Crystal River, Monday.
Rescued was Jack Baird, 76, from Dunnellon.
At 11:32 a.m. Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders received a report of a disabled and aground 45-foot sailboat near the Crystal River navigational marker 2A. Baird reported he was unable to communicate with a local commercial salvage company and needed assistance.
A Station Yankeetown 24-foot Special Purpose Craft - Shallow Water boatcrew was launched with Nature Coast Emergency Medical Services aboard. Baird reported suffering a hand injury and seasickness symptoms. The boatcrew transferred Baird to River Haven Marina, Homosassa. Baird was met by his wife at the marina.
"Mr. Baird did the right thing," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason R. Levin, officer of the day at Station Yankeetown. "He didn't hesitate to contact us at the first sign of distress."