Emergency beacon, flotation device saves 2 lives

MIAMI – After a boat sank Sunday, two people aboard were stranded in the Atlantic Ocean with nothing but a personal locator beacon (PLB), a life jacket and an inflatable seat cushion.

Watchstanders in the Coast Guard 7th District received an electronic distress signal from the registered PLB plotting about 20 nautical miles east of Miami. The watchstanders immediately directed the launch of a helicopter.

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Coast Guardsman spotted the stranded duo in the water, using the life jacket and seat cushion for flotation when they arrived. The pair was hoisted into the helicopter and taken to Air Station Miami where they declined medical treatment.

The two rescued said that their boat completely sank.