On Monday, Sept. 28, at about 8:45 p.m., Broward County Sheriff’s Office received a call that a 17‑foot Boston Whaler had capsized two miles offshore from the Port Everglades Inlet. The three occupants, all young men, activated the lights on their cell phones, allowing deputies to pinpoint their location in the dark water.
Coordinated response saves lives
Broward County Sheriff’s Marine and Harbor Patrol deputies were the first on scene, followed closely by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue, the U.S. Coast Guard and Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue. Together, the agencies worked to bring the men safely aboard the rescue vessels.
The men were pulled from the ocean without any injuries. After the rescue, a Sea Tow operator recovered the overturned boat and towed it back to shore.
Why quick action matters
Boat capsizes can quickly become life‑threatening, especially after dark when visibility is low and cold water can lead to hypothermia. The swift coordination among local law‑enforcement marine units, federal coast guard personnel and fire‑rescue teams demonstrates the effectiveness of Broward’s emergency‑response network. Residents are encouraged to keep safety equipment on board, file a float plan, and use visible signals such as phone lights or flares if a vessel becomes disabled.
Community safety reminder
Authorities remind boaters that the Port Everglades Inlet area sees heavy marine traffic, and changing currents can pose hazards for smaller vessels. The Sheriff’s Office recommends checking weather forecasts, maintaining proper vessel maintenance, and ensuring all passengers wear life jackets.
For those who witnessed the incident or have information about other water‑safety concerns, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office encourages contacting the Marine Patrol at (954) 555‑1234.
Stay informed
Local news outlet WPBF 25 continues to cover the story and provides updates on marine safety initiatives throughout South Florida. Readers can follow the latest headlines and weather alerts through the WPBF 25 News app.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
