4 Dead, 6 Missing After Holiday Weekend On The Water
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- At least four people are dead and six others are missing along the Florida and Puerto Rico Coasts after Memorial Day weekend.
Coast Guard officials said they responded to 55 search and rescue cases over the weekend and saved 13 lives.
Among those declared dead is a 40-year old man who went overboard off a 20-foot vessel in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday. His body was recovered off the coast of Puerto Rico.
Another man's body was recovered after he was reported missing on Monday in Volusia County.
On Tuesday, officials said they recovered a body matching the description of a 26-year old woman who was reported missing off a 29-foot boat in Matheson Hammock Park. The confirmation of her identification is pending. The case is under investigation.
With the deaths, comes the reminder of safety.
Coast Guard officials are reminding boaters to always wear life jackets.
According to officials, the number one cause of boating deaths is drowning.
They said wearing a life jacket increases your chances of surviving a boating accident. They are also reminding those on the water to not boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
For those wanting to be even more prepared should have a float plan in place. The plan should be left with someone at home. It should give a description of the boat, where you are going and when you plan on coming back.
The U.S. Coast Guard has released an app on boating safety needs. Click here to get it.