Jess Wirts got in his 14-foot sailboat Wednesday afternoon to enjoy a balmy day.
But about a mile from the southern tip of Picnic Island, a strong crosswind caused his boat to capsize.
Wirts couldn't flip the boat, which took on water quickly. With one hand he held onto the bow of the boat while using the other to hold his cellular phone as he floated across the bay.
He waved to some boaters that passed by him, but no one stopped to help. He called 911 after nearly 30 minutes in the water.
A Tampa police helicopter and police boat headed to the scene.
The helicopter deployed a rescue raft and Wirts got on. In two minutes, the marine unit boat was on scene and helped Wirts get on board.
"I'm just glad they were able to help me out," said Wirts of Tampa. "I'd rather be saved in a boat than getting pulled over for a ticket."
Wirts, who has about 100 hours of sailing experience, sustained no injuries. He and his boat were taken to the Picnic Island boat ramp.
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