Gulf Shore Getaway

OK a couple of important lessons here for those of you planning to head out on the Gulf for a day of sailing...

• Bring your cell phone. Who knows, you might feel like chatting with someone while you wait for the Coast Guard to come pluck you out of the water


• Know that when you call them, they'll come. And they might just issue a press release about it and make the whole thing available on video for anyone who wants it.

Press Release

Coast Guard Rescues 3 near Destin, FL

MOBILE, ALA. -- The Coast Guard rescued three people this morning near Destin, Fla., after their boat capsized and sank 12 miles east of Destin Pass.

Watch standers at Sector Mobile, Ala., received a mayday call at 11:30 a.m. EST, from the three people on board a 28-foot vessel stating they were taking on water. Sector Mobile personnel then relayed the information to Coast Guard Station Destin. The two men and one woman put on life jackets and continued to speak with Station Destin personnel by cellular telephone.

Station Destin launched their 25-foot rescue boat and pulled the three people safely from the water 20 minutes after the mayday call.

Rescued were: James Crawford, 40, of Warner Robins, Ga.; Tom Thompson, 47, of Destin; and Patricia Kimbrel, 47, of Panama City, Fla.

It's unknown at this time what caused the 28-foot Bayliner to sink. The boaters' ability to use their VHF radio and don their lifejackets allowed the Coast Guard to quickly respond to their emergency.

Media interested in interviews can contact Petty Officer Kenneth Pady at Coast Guard Station Destin

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