Marine Unit Assists Stranded Boater
On 03-28-16 at approximately 3:30 a.m., Marine Unit Deputy Steve Kelly assisted by Corporal Dave Calianno responded to the area of Hunter’s Lake to assist a stranded boater.
The boater, later identified as Thomas James Dougherty, was stranded on a portion of the lake that could not be reached by land. Luckily, Mr. Dougherty had his cell phone with him, which was mapping in the lake behind 228 Fountain Court.
Deputy Kelly and Corporal Calianno launched the agency’s airboat on the lake and headed toward the location where the phone was mapping. The deputies quickly spotted Dougherty’s small boat precisely where they expected it would be.
Mr. Dougherty was taken aboard the airboat and brought back to shore. He was then provided a ride to the boat ramp where his vehicle was. He did not have any injuries as a result of being stranded; therefore, declined an examination by Hernando County Fire/Rescue.
“Some of the equipment the Sheriff’s Office has at its disposal is not needed on a daily basis. Being prepared at a moment’s notice, however, to execute a shallow water rescue in the middle of the night is something the Sheriff’s Office takes in stride. The citizen needing the services, however, probably appreciated our preparedness,” said Sheriff Al Nienhuis.
The deputies then returned to the lake to retrieve Mr. Dougherty’s boat, towing it to the boat ramp for him.
