Two Rescued, One Dead After Boat Capsizes

Two people were rescued and one died after their 16-foot skiff boat capsized Tuesday in the vicinity of the Crystal River power plant. Edward Calcani, 71, of Beverly Hills, Fla., was located deceased on the north side of the power plant channel by the crew of an HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater around 4 a.m. this morning after searching for eight hours. The Jayhawk crew located Edward Calcani Jr and Larry Dates clinging to the hull of their capsized vessel about 2 a.m. this morning. A boat from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that was assisting a Coast Guard Station Yankeetown rescue boat in the search transferred the survivors to the 40 boat ramp on the Withlacoochie River for further transfer to EMS. No major injuries were reported at the time of the transfer. The three boaters reportedly capsized at 11:00 a.m. yesterday. The survivors were able to stay with their capsized vessel however Calcani was last spotted drifting north of the boat holding on to a throwable floatation device, but was not wearing a life jacket. Once located, Calcani was transferred to the Lee County coroner's office via the Coast Guard Station Yankeetown rescue boat. The three men were reported overdue by Calcani's wife shortly after they neglected to make it home in time for the Super Bowl. Sea conditions were less than ideal with four to six foot seas, 15-knot winds, 56-degree water and limited visibility for search assets due to fog. The Coast Guard reminds boaters to take precautions such as checking the weather forecast, wearing a life jacket at all times, and being aware of the additional risk of hypothermia during the winter months.