Coast Guard Helicopter Rescues Two From Disabled Sailboat off Tarpon Springs

December 17, 2025

CLEARWATER — A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew rescued two people Wednesday after their 30-foot sailboat became disabled approximately 40 miles west of Tarpon Springs.

The boaters were reported to be in stable condition and were safely transported to Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater.

According to the Coast Guard, a Southeast District watchstander received a distress notification at 3:24 a.m. and coordinated the launch of the helicopter crew. The aircrew located the de-masted sailboat at 4:49 a.m. in seas measuring 4 to 6 feet with winds around 20 knots. A rescue swimmer was deployed, and both individuals were hoisted into the helicopter.

“The distress alert was vital in providing us critical information to rapidly deploy a helicopter crew to assist,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason Aybar, a search and rescue controller at the Coast Guard Southeast District command center. “Having reliable communication equipment and necessary safety equipment can make all the difference when seconds matter on the water.”

The vessel’s owner is coordinating recovery efforts with a commercial salvage company. The cause of the de-masting has not been determined.

Coast Guard Southeast District watchstanders maintain a continuous watch and coordinate with partner agencies to deploy Coast Guard assets for search and rescue operations as needed.

This is the importance of having safety equipment, especially EPIRBs, while boating.