Updated September 27, 2024 at 14:32 PM ET
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Before Helene even made landfall in Florida, authorities conducted a dramatic rescue operation: The U.S. Coast Guard saved a man whose sailboat started taking on water off the coast of Sanibel Island.
His dog, wearing a fluorescent life vest, was with him too.
Both were brought to safety and reported to be in good medical condition.
The boat is adrift and disabled, the USCG said.
#Final The man & his dog were reportedly in good medical condition. They were brought to Southwest Florida International airport to meet with EMS. The vessel is adrift and disabled.
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) September 27, 2024
🎥🎬 Recorded by a camera worn by AST2 Hudson, edited by Lt. Cmdr. Kellerman, AirSta Clearwater pic.twitter.com/3ehoIVqlLj
Video shared by the agency shows the unnamed man and his dog being airlifted to safety. Toward the end of the clip, he's seen high-fiving members of the rescue team while holding his canine.
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