Three couples rescued from sinking boat

MADEIRA BEACH - Marine Unit deputies responded to a call of a 24-foot vessel in distress Thursday afternoon. Rescue personnel plucked six passengers from the water and transported them safely to shore.

Three couples, two from Pennsylvania and one from New Jersey, were diving about 6 miles off shore, when the vessel started taking in some waves.

The boat pump was not working and the vessel started to roll over.  The boaters called for help.

Sheriff's Office Marine vessels and officers from the FWC transported the visitors to Madeira Beach. The US Coast Guard and Eckerd College Search and Rescue also responded to the scene.

The boaters included William and Nikki Kadryna, from Northumberland, Pennsylvania, Robert and Luz Rusyn, of Scott Township, PA, and Ralph A Gonzalez and his wife, Mildred Collazo, of Voorhees, New Jersey.

Collazo, 49, complained of skin irritation, possibly from spilled fuel.  Upon arrival on shore, she was treated on scene by Madeira Beach Fire Rescue.  No other injuries were reported.

According to deputies, the vessel, identified as the "Miss Kathy Too," which is owned by a friend of the captain, William Kadryna, was partially submerged.

Arrangements were being made to get the vessel towed back to shore