Coast Guard saves man and dog 25 miles out to sea during Hurricane Helene

Ray Bogan

The Coast Guard saved a man and his best friend after their sailboat became disabled and blew out to sea during Hurricane Helene. The rescue was captured on video from the point of view of the rescue swimmer. Everyone appears to be okay. 

It all happened Thursday when the 36-ft vessel became disabled and started taking on water 25 miles off Sanibel Island. The Coast Guard arrived by helicopter and lowered the rescue swimmer into the water with a winch. 

The swimmer approached the boat, helped the dog and man into the water, loaded them into the basket and hoisted them up. Once inside the helicopter, the group celebrated and shook hands. 

The Coast Guard took them back to Southwest Florida International Airport to meet with EMS. They were reportedly in good medical condition.  

The vessel was left behind, adrift and disabled.