The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
(DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.) — The Coast Guard is towing a disabled 85-foot charter fishing vessel with 54 people aboard into New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Sunday evening.
Coast Guard Station Ponce de Leon Inlet, Fla., crewmembers are towing the Pastime Princess, a deep-sea fishing party vessel, with the station’s 47-foot motor-life boat.The vessel reportedly lost power and became completely disabled approximately seven miles northeast of Ponce de Leon Inlet.
Coast Guard station crewmembers received a radio distress call from the vessel at approximately 5:20 p.m. Sunday.
The Coast Guard reminds all mariners, professional and recreational, that being prepared in case of an emergency can save lives. Developing and following a plan can greatly improve the chances of a successful rescue during an emergency situation.
