TAMPA, Fla. — Seven people, including three children, were rescued Monday afternoon after their 18-foot jet boat capsized in strong winds during a small craft advisory in Hillsborough County.
Emergency crews were dispatched just before 3 p.m. to an area between Davis Islands and Bayshore Boulevard. The U.S. Coast Guard, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit, Tampa Police Marine Unit and Tampa Fire Rescue all responded to the scene.
Deputies were able to rescue a mom, dad and their 7-year-old daughter from the water, as firefighters rescued the other two adults and two kids. Everyone was checked out by paramedics, but nobody was hurt. They were all wearing life jackets.
Tampa police were able to help tow the boat back to the Davis Island Boat Ramp.
"When an emergency happens, jurisdictional boundaries don't matter. We all do our part to help those in need, and I'm thankful that our deputies were able to assist in getting this family to safety," Sheriff Chad Chronister wrote in a statement. "This is a reminder to boaters to always pay attention to the weather forecast before going out on the water, and most importantly, to make sure everyone on board your boat has a life jacket. You never know when you'll need it."
You can see video from the rescue below.
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