MADERIA BEACH – Pinellas County Sheriff’s Marine Unit deputies responded to a call of a 24-foot vessel in distress about 4:36 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, about six miles west of John’s Pass near the Treasure Island Reef.
According to a report from the sheriff’s office, when deputies arrived on scene all six passengers of the vessel were in the water. All were assisted out of the water and transported safely back to shore in either a Marine Unit boat or a Florida Wildlife Commission vessel. One of the rescued passengers complained of skin irritation due possibly to spilled fuel coming into contact with her skin. She was treated on scene by Madeira Beach Fire Rescue. No other injuries were reported.
Deputies said three couples visiting Pinellas were diving about six miles offshore, west of John’s Pass near the Treasure Island Reef. Deputies say there were about three to four foot seas, when the vessel started taking in some waves. The boat pump did not work and the vessel started to roll over. The boaters called for help.
Marine Unit deputies arrived on scene to find all six persons in the water. Deputies say the boaters had shot out some flares, which helped in locating them. The boaters were assisted out of the water and transported safely to Don’s Dock, 215 128th Ave. in Madeira Beach.
The U.S. Coast Guard and Eckerd College Search and Rescue also responded to the scene.
The vessel, identified as the “Miss Kathy Too,” is owned by a friend of one of the boaters William K. Kadryna, 39, Northumberland, Penn. The boat was partially submerged. Deputies said arrangements were being made to get the vessel towed back to shore.
Besides Kadryna, who was captaining the vessel, deputies also rescued his wife, Nikki Kadryna, 39; Ralph A. Gonzalez, 52, of Voorhees, N.J. and his wife, Mildred Collazo, 49; Robert Rusyn, 43, of Scott Township, Penn., and his wife, Luz Rusyn, 48.
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