On 02/19/2012 at approximately 1700 hours, Operator (operator S1), (occupant S2) and (juvenile occupant S3) departed from the shoreline of the Old Fenimore Mill Condominium on a 16 foot Hobie Cat (V1). The operator and occupants were wearing Type III personal flotation devices while sailing to  Atsena Otie Key for a short trip. 

Due to strong winds and strong sea conditions Vessel 1 operator attempted to tack/return to shore. At approximately 1730 hours, Vessel 1's bow was raised up by a large wave which caused the stern of the vessel to descend and the rudders to break free from the hull. The operator and occupants were ejected from the vessel and into the water. Vessel 1 was righted by the operator and occupants and another attempt was made to return to shore. At approximately 1745 hours, Vessel 1 was capsized to the port side by the strong wind and waves and the operator and occupants were ejected into the water. Vessel 1 was partially submerged due to the breach in the catamaran hulls. The operator and both occupants held onto the vessel and attempted to make contact with any vessel in the area by signalling with a sound producing device (whistle), but was unsuccessful. Due to the strong waves and current Vessel 1's mast was broken free from the vessel. Vessel 1 with the operator and occupants became adrift until rescued approximately 3.7 miles south of the Cedar Key Public Boat Ramp in the Gulf of Mexico (N29*6.010, W082*59.000). The occupants were airlifted by U.S.C.G. helicopter to St. Petersburg and transported by ambulance to the Largo Medical Hospital for treatment of hypothermia. All three occupants were administered warm fluids for the hypothermia and had an EKG performed. The occupants sustained minor scrapes and bruises which did not require treatment and were released from the hospital. Vessel 1 was left adrift and not recovered from the Gulf of Mexico.

Subject1 was ejected from V 1 when it capsized and remained in the water until he was rescued by the U.S.C.G. helicopter. He was transported by ambulance to the Largo Medical Hospital for treatment of hypothermia. He was administered warm fluids for the hypothermia and had an EKG performed. He sustained minor scrapes and bruises which did not require treatment and was released.  ;

Subject2 was ejected into the water when V1 capsized and remained in the water until he was rescued by the U.S.C.G. helicopter. He was transported and admitted into the Largo Medical Hospital for treatment of minor hypothermia. He was administered warm fluids for the hypothermia and had an EKG performed. He sustained minor scrapes and bruises which did not require treatment and was released.   

Operator was ejected from V 1 and remained in the water till he was rescued by the U.S.C.G. helicopter. He was transported and admitted into the Largo Medical Hospital for minor treatment of hypothermia. He was administered warm fluids for the hypothermia and had an EKG performed. He sustained minor scrapes and bruises which did not require treatment and was released.
CEDAR KEY                     