(Tribune News Service) — A frantic phone call about three missing boaters led the U.S. Coast Guard to find a capsized 20-foot boat in the dark off southwest Florida, rescuers say.

The boaters were clinging to the hull, the USCG said in a news release.

The rescue happened Sunday, Feb. 23, off Captiva, a barrier island about a 165-mile-drive south from Tampa.

“A family member called Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders at approximately 1 a.m., reporting their last contact with the three boaters was at 8 p.m., Saturday,” officials said.

“A Coast Guard ... MH-60 helicopter air crew found the three boaters sitting on top of their capsized vessel in reportedly good health.”

Video shows the three frantically waving their arms in hope of getting the helicopter crew’s attention.

A USCG rescue boat based out of Fort Myers Beach was sent to pull the boaters from the water, officials said. They were examined by emergency medical personnel at the Coast Guard station, officials said. Details of any injuries were not released.

The three were wearing life jackets when found, video shows.

“The cause of the capsize is unknown at this time and a safety marine information broadcast was issued for the hazard to navigation,” officials said, referring to the capsized boat that was still adrift.

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