Two rescued from disabled sailboat caught in tropical storm Sally off Key West

U.S. Coast Guard crews took part in a harrowing rescue of two people who were stuck on a listless boat that was caught in high winds and heavy seas off Key West during Tropical Storm Sally this weekend.

The storm became a hurricane after it left the Keys, with its sights set on the Gulf Coast.

During the operation, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer who was lowered into the water from a helicopter struggled in the rough seas to reach the vessel for so long that the chopper had to return to Miami because it was running low on fuel, according to a Coast Guard press release.

The action began Sunday evening around 6:30 p.m. west of Ponce de Leon Bay off Key West when the sailors called Coast Guard Sector Key West to report their engine was disabled and they were in danger of capsizing.

Other than the MH-65 helicopter crew, the Coast Guard also sent the Cutter Raymond Evans.

After the helicopter returned to Air Station Miami, the rescue swimmer stayed in the water trying to get to the sailboat, according to the press release.

An airplane was sent from Miami to provide aid to the swimmer, but he continued to have trouble getting to the vessel in the 6- to 10-foot seas, with winds blowing at 35 mph, the press release stated.

The cutter launched a small boat crew, which picked up the rescue swimmer early Sunday morning and then the two people on the sailboat.

The press release stated the boat owners contracted a towing company to recover the vessel.

“Florida weather during hurricane season is unpredictable,” Petty Officer 3rd Class Steven Evens said in a statement. “It is important that mariners check the weather before going out on the water, whether it’s a day trip or longer.”