Coast Guard rescues three men clinging to a buoy after their boat sinks off Tampa’s coast

Three men can thank the Coast Guard for their safety on Saturday after a St. Petersburg boat crew rescued them as they clung to a life buoy in the open waters.

According to the Coast Guard, the trio had been on a 24-foot boat that took on water in Tampa Bay. The men managed to climb atop the sea green buoy and were spotted by a crew from a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium on the bobbling buoy near Egmont Key.

Egmont Key features a state park and island near the mouth of Tampa Bay.

Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders were notified of the distress via VHF radio channel 16. Someone on board notified rescuers that they were taking on water. According to the Coast Guard, the owner, whom they did not name, is coordinating with commercial salvage for the vessel, which sunk.

In the photo, none of the three men are seen wearing life jackets or in possession of rescue equipment. None needed medical attention, according to the Coast Guard.

“The Coast Guard reminds all boaters of these important safety tips while on the water: wear a life jacket, carry all required safety gear, file a float plan, and check the weather and water conditions before getting on the water,” the crew said in a media release.