Image 1 of 4 ▼

One person has died after the boat they were in capsized off Davis Island in Hillsborough Bay.

Tampa Fire Rescue says crews from several agencies jumped into action to try and save the six people, including a child, who were on the 25-foot boat when it sank.

Stuart Messman from FWC identified the deceased as Alberto Marrero-Tanayo, 57, of Tampa.

A Tampa Police Department helicopter dropped a raft into the water. Meanwhile, one person managed to swim to Beer Can Island. Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office marine units rounded up five of the six and brought them to a dock on Davis Island.

One man, an adult, has been declared deceased. It was not immediately known how the man died. Four of those rescued refused aid on the scene. One person was taken to the hospital. Their condition was unknown.

A survivor of the incident is reported to have said the man who died swam for 15 minutes, but was unable to continue. The person, who does not speak English, told a reporter windy conditions contributed to the boat sinking.


Officials said they will try to bring the boat to shore Sunday. FWC is conducting an active investigation.