Brevard: Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit Helps rescue distressed Kayakers

Brevard: Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit Helps rescue distressed  Kayakers

kayakers

Earlier this week, members of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit were on patrol in the Banana River in the area of Port Canaveral.

Sergeant Dennis Casey and Commander Greg Purden were on board when they noticed two subjects in the water clinging to a capsized kayak. The weather conditions were pushing the couple further into the river and away from shore. The couple could not right the kayak and were desperately attempting to climb onto the top of the overturned vessel.

Sergeant Casey and Commander Purden pulled the two from the water and returned them safely to shore.

The couple, who were on vacation from New York were wearing personal flotation devices and were unfamiliar with how the weather conditions could impact the coastal waterways.

The Marine Unit is responsible for patrolling the many miles of waterways to include the St. John’s River, Indian and Banana River, Sykes Creek, Mosquitos Lagoon, the Sebastian Inlet and Port Canaveral.

As a reminder, it’s a good time for all boaters to check and service all boating safety equipment.

Please join us  in thanking both Sergeant Casey and Commander Purden for their outstanding efforts to protect our citizens and visitors who enjoy our wonderful maritime environment.