PALM BAY, Florida -- Witnesses and emergency crews from several agencies rescued two adults and an approximately 6 to 7-year-old girl after
their boat overturned in the Indian River Lagoon just off of Castaways
Point Park in Palm Bay, Florida.
Just after noon on Sunday, police and firefighters responded
to Castaways Point Park at the end of Bay Boulevard after receiving multiple 911
calls that reported an overturned vessel about 300 yards offshore.
When
firefighters arrived, a private citizen was already assisting the woman and girl to shore. According to City of Palm Bay officials, the child was
wearing a life preserver and the adults had flotation devices. Palm Bay
Fire-Rescue Lieutenant Brian Gent sent one of his crew into the water
to rescue the man who appeared to still be in distress while attempting
to get back to shore.
Firefighter Nick Swaboda swam approximately 200
yards to reach the man who was then brought to shore safely.
Firefighter-paramedics treated the victims on scene and no additional
medical attention was needed, officials say.
“Fortunately they were not in the water
for a long period of time,” said Lieutenant Gent. “The good news is the
child had a life preserver on, which undoubtedly saved her life along
with the efforts from the citizens who assisted.”
The Brevard County
Sheriff’s Office, Indialantic Police Department and Florida Fish and
Wildlife Commission officers also responded to the scene. FWC officers
towed the 15-foot vessel back to shore.