A boat captain is safe after being rescued from a storm-tossed vessel near Big Pass off South Lido Beach on the evening of July 28. Sarasota Police responded to a distress call around 8:15 p.m. and initially believed everyone on board had made it to shore after spotting one person on the beach. As officers prepared to leave, they learned the captain was still on the boat as weather conditions worsened.
The captain requested help, and a coordinated rescue effort involving Sarasota Police, the Town of Longboat Key Police Department, and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office successfully brought him safely to land. No injuries were reported. Officers used the moment to highlight a critical safety message for the boating community: conditions on the water can change quickly, and knowing the forecast, knowing your limits, and having a plan to reach safety are essential.
For Suncoast boaters, this is a timely reminder as we move deeper into hurricane season. The waters around Big Pass and the Gulf beaches we love can turn dangerous in minutes. Have you ever been caught in a sudden storm while boating? What’s your rule for deciding when it’s time to head back in? Share your experience in the comments.
