As Hurricane Helene approached Florida with winds over 100 mph, some residents chose to stay on their boats despite evacuation orders. Philip Tooke and his brother rode out the storm on their fishing boats, with Tooke sending a message that they had lost power but were still floating. The Coast Guard discourages this practice, but recognizes that many boat owners have nowhere else to go. Despite the dangers, some residents, like Ben Monaghan and Valerie Cristo, planned to stay on their sailboat during the storm. However, Monaghan’s boat was crushed during Hurricane Debby, requiring a rescue by the fire department. Law enforcement agencies in Florida are prepared for water rescues, but warn that there are certain conditions under which rescues cannot be made due to the intensity of the storm.
Lieutenant Todd Olmer of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office explained that the marine environment is challenging during a storm, making it difficult for first responders to reach individuals in distress. The Gulf of Mexico, in particular, presents unique challenges during a storm with higher and closer waves. Despite the risks, some residents, like Jay in Tampa Bay, were prepared to ride out the storm on their sailboats, believing that their fate was already determined. The Coast Guard planned to send out helicopters and airplanes to search for wreckage and individuals needing rescue once the storm had passed. The decision to stay on a boat during a hurricane is risky and can pose significant challenges for both residents and rescuers.
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