USCG Rescues 12, Cancels Small Boat Race in FL

 

The Coast Guard saved 12 people from the water during the WaterTribe Everglades Challenge near Englewood, Florida, on Saturday.

 

Approximately 135 boats of various sizes and more than 240 people took part in the small-craft regatta, which started in Tampa Bay and was scheduled to end in Key Largo. The event was terminated by the Coast Guard due to numerous cases of capsizings, people with various stages of hyperthermia and the weather on scene deteriorating.

 

The Coast Guard terminated the event at the first check point at Cape Haze Marina in Englewood and continued to remain on scene until everyone was safely out of the water.

 

The event was hosted by WaterTribe, a recreational association. "The Everglades Challenge is an unsupported, expedition style adventure race for kayaks, canoes, and small boats," a description of the event on the group's website said.  "The distance is roughly 300 nautical miles depending on your course selection. There is a time limit of 8 days or less. Your safety and well being are completely up to you."

 

"We always want people to have fun on the water, we just want them to be safe doing it," said Chief Warrant Officer Rob Swanson, a search and rescue coordinator at the sector. "We can't stress enough how important it is to always be safe out there. The sea is unforgiving."