On 9/15/13 at approximately 1700 hours a vessel accident occurred in Tampa Bay between Egmont Key and Anna Maria Island. A storm came across Tampa Bay and a vessel (FL 6826 MT) was swamped and then capsized. The vessel, a 26' Sea Ray, was occupied by two subjects.

Operator stated that he had been snorkeling earlier in the day with his wife by Egmont Key from their vessel. Subjects saw that a storm was heading their way across Tampa Bay and they started to head in towards Bradenton Boat Club following another vessel. The sea conditions were deteriorating as they headed to shore. Along the way the winds and sea conditions became so severe that Operator stopped their vessel and deployed their anchor, tying it off at the bow. The vessel then quickly swamped and capsized.
Subjects tried to stay with the vessel but were unable to do so due to the large waves. Subjects were both wearing life jackets. The occupants of the vessel that subjects were following reported them missing to United States Coast Guard when they arrived at shore.
At this time many search and rescue operations were being conducted around the Tampa Bay area by USCG and FWC.
At approximately 2330 hours FWC dispatch advised Lt of an overdue vessel near Passage Key. At 2354 hours we responded in two patrol vessels to the area. We arrived at approximately 0033 hours on 9/16/13.
At about this time USCG advised that they had located two subjects treading water near the Skyway Bridge from their helicopter. The two subjects, were picked up out of the water by the USCG helicopter and transported to Tampa General Hospital for treatment.
I then searched the area between Egmont Key and Anna Maria Island and located the capsized vessel at position N27 33.393 and W082 44.206. I called the registration number (FL 6826 MT) into dispatch to confirm that it belonged to subjects.
Lt. returned to shore and responded to Tampa General Hospital to check on the injury status of  subejct. Subject had taken seawater into his lungs and was having trouble breathing. He also had cuts on his hands from trying to hold onto the vessel. Occupant also had cuts on her hands and arms from trying to hold onto the capsized vessel. Subjects were treated for their injuries.
The vessel was later recovered by Sea Tow on 9/17/13 and has been removed from the water and placed in dry dock.; Operator was admitted to Tampa General Hospital with trouble breathing because of water in his lungs and also small cuts on his hands and arms from trying to hold onto the boat. He was treated for pneumonia and stayed in the hospital for a couple days before being released. occupant suffered small cuts on her hands and arms from the vessel capsizing and then trying to hold onto the boat afterwards. The cuts were treated at Tampa General Hospital.
ANNA MARIA