On Thursday, a man and his dog were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard off the coast of Florida as Hurricane Helene neared the state. The 36-foot sailboat they were on became disabled and started taking on water about 25 miles off Sanibel Island. The Coast Guard’s Air Station Clearwater responded to the emergency call and initiated the rescue operation.
In a video shared by the Coast Guard, a rescuer is seen being lowered into the water near the disabled sailboat. The man and his dog, both wearing life preservers, enter the water and swim a short distance before being hoisted to safety by a helicopter. The footage also shows the man petting his dog and sharing a high-five with one of the rescuers after they are pulled aboard.
Both the man and his dog were reported to be in good medical condition following the rescue and were taken to Southwest Florida International Airport to be evaluated by emergency medical services. Unfortunately, the sailboat remains disabled and is adrift at sea.
Source: PEOPLE