WATCH: Coast Guard rescues two boaters near Boca Grande during Hurricane Debby

BOCA GRANDE, Fla. (CBS12) — Two boaters were rescued by U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) aircrews on Sunday during Hurricane Debby after their 34-foot sailing vessel lost its sail and drifted 73 miles off Boca Grande.

The rescue operation was initiated after a friend of the boaters contacted Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders on Saturday at around 5 p.m., according to the USCG.

The friend reportedly raised the alarm after the boaters failed to check in while on their journey from Key West to Tarpon Springs.

The USCG reported that an Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane rescue crew was deployed and located the disabled vessel with both boaters on board by 11 a.m. on Sunday.

The aircrew then guided an Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter rescue crew to the scene. The helicopter crew hoisted the boaters aboard and transported them to safety at Air Station Clearwater, according to officials.

See also:Regional response team dispatched to combat Hurricane Debby

The rescue, which took place in challenging weather conditions with 15 to 20-foot seas and 50-knot winds, ended without any reported injuries.

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