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St. Petersburg boater rescued in rough seasBy Times staff writer© St. Petersburg Times published February 25, 2002 The crew of a long-range helicopter from the U.S. Coast Guard station in Clearwater rescued a St. Petersburg boater Saturday whose 29-foot sailboat was sinking in high seas. Robert Berger was on his way from Mexico to Panama City when his boat started sinking about 170 miles off Key West. A cruise ship passing nearby heard Berger's Mayday but could not rescue him because of rough seas pushed by winds more than 50 mph, said Coast Guard Petty Officer Paul Rhynard. The Clearwater helicopter, an HH-60J Jayhawk, refueled in Key West and rescued Berger about 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Berger, who spends his winters in St. Petersburg, jumped from his boat into 20-foot seas to reach a hoist basket and rescue swimmer Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason Jennison.
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