Three rescued after boat begins taking on water 5 miles off Clearwater shore

CLEARWATER — The U.S. Coast Guard and Clearwater Fire and Rescue came to the aid of three men stranded 5 miles off the coast on a sinking vessel Thursday night.

The Coast Guard rescued the three boaters, who were not identified, about 9 p.m. west of Clearwater Pass. No one was injured.

The men called 911 about 8:30 p.m. after their 25-foot recreational vessel began taking on water. The boat lost a pump and all electronic communication, according to Clearwater fire officials.

The men were transferred to the Coast Guard's Sand Key station. The boat was towed.

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