Four people are safe after a frightening ordeal at sea, as missing boaters found alive Florida became a reality this week when the U.S. Coast Guard rescued them drifting on a capsized boat roughly 26 miles off the coast of Clearwater.
What Happened
On Monday morning, a group of four — two older men and two younger — left the Seminole Street Boat Ramp in Clearwater aboard a 25‑foot catamaran named “Money Well Wasted.”
They did not return by the expected afternoon time. By evening, family members alerted authorities. Their vehicle and trailer remained at the boat ramp, but no sign of the boat or its occupants.
The Coast Guard launched a search that night and resumed efforts early Tuesday morning. Around 7:15 a.m., an aircrew spotted the capsized boat about 26 miles offshore. The four boaters were found alive, clinging to the overturned hull after spending nearly 20 hours at sea.
Who They Are and Condition
- The rescued men are Dennis Woods (70), Clarence Woods (90), Cris Harding Sr. (42), and Cris Harding Jr. (18).
- They were taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.
- Despite cold water, exposure, and exhaustion, they survived what authorities are calling a remarkable rescue.
Timeline of Events
| Time / Date | Key Event |
|---|---|
| Monday morning, ~9:30 a.m. | Boaters depart Clearwater on fishing trip aboard “Money Well Wasted” |
| Monday late afternoon | Expected return at 4 p.m.; boat never returns |
| Monday ~8:30 p.m. | Family reports boat overdue; truck and trailer found at ramp |
| Monday night | Coast Guard begins search |
| Tuesday ~7:15 a.m. | Aircraft locates capsized boat 26 miles offshore |
| Morning, Tuesday | All four found alive, rescued, and transported to hospital for treatment |
How They Survived
The four spent roughly 20 hours clinging to the upturned boat hull. Weather conditions at the time were relatively calm, with seas of about 2–3 feet and light winds, which likely helped their chances.
Life jackets, staying together, and quick reporting by family contributed to their rescue. The Coast Guard dropped a life raft and flotation marker before a surface vessel reached them, enabling a safe pickup.
Why This Matters
- The rescue underscores how dangerous boating can become — even when plans seem routine.
- It highlights the importance of filing a float plan and alerting someone on shore about estimated return times. In this case, the delay triggered a swift search.
- The incident demonstrates the readiness and effectiveness of Coast Guard search-and-rescue operations.
Advice for Boaters
While this group survived, experts recommend every vessel out on the water follow basic safety practices:
- File a float plan with someone on land.
- Always wear life jackets and carry safety gear such as signaling devices, flares, or an emergency beacon.
- Check weather and sea conditions before departure.
- Let someone know your return time and boat details.
Such precautions can make the difference between a routine trip and a life-threatening situation.
The fact that missing boaters found alive Florida — safe and treated after more than 20 hours adrift — offers hope and a reminder. For families on the water, preparedness matters. For everyone else, it’s a story of survival, quick action, and resilience.
Have you or someone you know experienced such a close call on the water? Share your story or thoughts below — staying alert at sea could save lives.