MIAMI – Two groups of boaters were rescued Wednesday after their boats started taking on water off Government Cut.
Rescuers received a distress call after a 23-foot boat started taking on water near Virginia Key.
The U.S. Coast Guard rescued the three people on board.
Yoandry Darius said he couldn't get to the radio because the boat was sinking.
Another boat started filling with water at about the same time.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers rescued two people on board and were towing the sinking boat to shore.
Ray Lavan said he and his fishing buddy had to put on their life jackets and jump into the water because the boat was sinking.
"They threw their lines in and got us out of the water," Lavan said.
Lavan said the wake from other larger boats caused their boat to start sinking.
"We were scared," Lavan said. "I mean, you come out for fun and you don't think that's going to happen to you. We've been fishing these waters for over 30 years."
Darius said he was thankful to be safe on dry land.
"They should have more people like them out there," Darius said.