Dramatic body camera and aerial footage captured the moment a father and son duo helped save six people from a sinking boat in Florida. Officer Michael MacDonald and his son Shane MacDonald, both from the St. Cloud Police Department, sprang into action on Saturday after receiving a distress call about a family of six aboard a boat that was sinking approximately two miles from shore at East Lake Tohopekaliga, according to WSVN.
Rapid Response Amid Dangerous Conditions
The Osceola County Sheriff's Office quickly deployed its STAR helicopter unit to assist in the rescue. Meanwhile, the MacDonalds boarded a patrol boat and navigated hazardous conditions created by an impending storm. 'We hopped in the boat, crew flew across the lake,' Michael recounted. 'We were trying to get them out of the boat as soon as we could before we had tragedy on our hands.'
Body Camera Footage Shows Rescue
By the time the MacDonalds reached the sinking vessel, the bow was almost completely submerged, and two people were already in the water. Body camera footage from the patrol boat captured an officer exclaiming, 'Let's get 'em,' before they approached. The footage then showed Michael reaching over the side to grab the sinking boat as it drifted parallel, while others inside the patrol boat helped lift the occupants to safety.
Along with St. Cloud Fire Rescue and a good Samaritan who jumped in to help, the MacDonalds successfully brought all six passengers back to shore. First responders assessed the boaters and determined that none had sustained serious injuries.
Training and Teamwork Praised
'When it came down to it, our training really kicked in, and we can take care of what we have to do,' said Shane. Michael added, 'Everything was phenomenal that day and worked out perfectly,' noting it was a privilege to watch his son in action during the rescue.
