A trooper and a jet skier helped rescue three people near Sunshine Skyway Bridge after their boat overturned Sunday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
- Trooper, jet skier rescue boaters
- 3 people spotted atop vessel by trooper
- Large waves caused boat to overturn
Corporal Jim Covert was patrolling the North Rest area near the bridge at 4:30 p.m., when he noticed an overturned boat about 200 yards offshore. Three people were sitting atop the boat, according to FHP.
Covert called for assistance, but was told there were no rescue vessels in the area. Covert spotted David Teichman, 26, of St. Petersburg, who was nearby with his jet ski.
Teichman traveled to the overturned boat and safely transported the three people to shore.
The boaters launched from St. John’s Pass and traveled to the Skyway Bridge when their boat began to take on water, authorities said. The boat was hit by large waves, which caused it to capsize.
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission also responded to the scene.