INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. — An Indian River County Sheriff’s deputy is being hailed as a hero for saving two children, a woman and a dog who were trapped on a boat.
Deputy Christian Mathisen was patrolling the Indian River Lagoon when he observed a small boy on the bow flagging him down.
Mathisen boarded the boat, which was taking on water, and plugged in the leak.
The vessel was flooded to the point that the bilge pump had failed and would no longer remove the water that had gathered in the boat.
Mathisen placed the boat in a hip-tow with the Indian River County Sheriff's Office boat, transporting the family to the closest dock.
Deputies drove the woman to the dock where she originally entered the water to recover her vehicle and trailer.
Mathisen assisted her in securing the boat onto the trailer, making it safe for travel.
"This weekend's water rescue is another example of our deputies saving lives. Deputy Mathisen's expertise on the water helped him prevent a possible tragedy,” said Sheriff Deryl Loar.
Cox Media Group
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