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Boat Capsized On Monday; 6 People Rescued Today

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By Kyle Martin, Hernando Today

Published: October 9, 2007

Updated: 10/09/2007 04:57 pm

Photos: Back On Dry Land

HERNANDO BEACH — Six people were plucked from the Gulf of Mexico this afternoon after their boat capsized Monday about 22 miles offshore.

They were rescued after about 22 hours in the water, most with minor injuries such as jellyfish stings and cramps.

Angela Porter of Webster in Sumter County was picked up in a basket by the U.S. Coast Guard and flown to Tampa General Hospital earlier Tuesday. The others were treated at Oak Hill Hospital later in the day.

Porter had cracked ribs and abdominal injuries from hitting the bow rail when the boat capsized from yesterday's 3-to-5 foot waves.

Deputy Roger Butts was the first to find the crew "by sheer luck" when he headed west from the popular fishing spots in the Gulf. A bit of the bow sticking above the water caught his eye and before long he had the missing boat in sight.

He said all aboard were clinging or tied to the overturned Pro Line Center Console and everyone was wearing a life vest. Authorities identified the rescued victims as husband and wife Danette and David Gendron, Scott Frechette, owner of the 21-foot craft, Junior Webb and Joshua Greer.

Deputy Butts called it "quite an ordeal" and commended them for staying with the boat.

Pasco County deputies and Florida Fish and Game officials also assisted in the search.

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