MIAMI - Five men taking a Labor Day weekend fishing trip were rescued by a passing boater in Biscayne Bay after they clung to their capsized boat for 11 hours through the night.
Survivors said the youngest member of the fishing party, Isai "Abi" Figueroa, 13, bravely urged his weary father not to lose his grip.
"He was a boy, but he behaved like a real man," said Oscar Medal, who swam for shore in search of help at daybreak Sunday as the 20-foot skiff started to sink.
The other passengers put on life jackets and clung to the boat's hull.
Medal's four companions were rescued early Sunday. Medal was later picked up off Turkey Point by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers.
Authorities said all five are expected to recover.
Alicia Figueroa, the teen's mother, said the group had planned to spend the night at Boca Chita Key, a small island in Biscayne National Park.
The men said the boat capsized in bad weather and rough waters about 9 p.m. Saturday.
