Deputies Control Runaway Boat That Was Circling Close to Florida Beach

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office has released dramatic aerial footage showing how marine deputies managed to take control of a runaway boat that was circling dangerously close to a St Pete beach after its operator was thrown from the vessel.

The incident occurred on September 14. The sheriff’s office said its “Marine & Environmental Lands Unit, in coordination with the Flight Unit and deputies on the beach, was able to quickly rescue the subject who was treading water approximately a half mile offshore.”

Deputies then sought to regain control of the vessel, which was circling in the water.

“Marine deputies were able to match the speed of the runaway vessel, board it, and regain control,” the sheriff’s office said. Credit: Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office via Storyful