The Cayman Islands Coast Guard sprang into action over the weekend after receiving a distress call from two boaters who found themselves in difficulties a few miles offshore.
On Sunday, 27 Aug., the Coast Guard posted a video to its Facebook page of the incident from the night before in which a patrol vessel could be seen towing another boat back to shore.
“The vessel was located approximately 2 miles east of the Rum Point Channel, and the vessel and crew were safely transported to Rackley Canal launching ramp,” said the CICG in its post.
The cause of the distress is not clear. However, at the time of the incident, Tropical Depression 10, which has now become Tropical Storm Idalia, was passing several hundred miles west of Grand Cayman.
In the video of the rescue, a distant thunder shower, associated with the outer bands of Idalia, can be seen lighting up the night sky with several streaks of lightning.
“This incident highlights the importance of mariners diligently checking weather developments,” the Coast Guard said, noting that cell phones “can be unpredictable, which can potentially lead to difficult situations for mariners”.
It also reminded people that practising “safe boating procedures and staying informed about weather conditions are essential during hurricane season and throughout the year”.
Related Videos
