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Video shows couple rescued from boat trying to ride out Hurricane Irma

Irma makes landfall
Special Report: Hurricane Irma makes landfall 05:57

Florida sheriff's deputies rescued a couple who tried to ride out Hurricane Irma on a small sailboat.

Christine Weiss of the Martin County Sheriff's Office said a passer-by noticed the couple was in trouble Sunday. It happened just off Jensen Beach, which is on the Atlantic Coast north of Palm Beach.

Video shows a Martin County patrol boat manned by deputies John Howell and James Holloran and Detective Mathew Fritchie pulling up next to the sailboat.

Rescue underway.

Posted by Martin County Sheriff's Office on Sunday, September 10, 2017

The task of helping the couple onto their boat was precarious as both boats bobbed in choppy water. Deputies then took them to shore.

The names of the couple were not released. The sheriff's office later reported that "everyone is safe, and back on land." 

MCSO marine rescue is complete. Everyone is safe, and back on land. Good job everyone especially to our Marine unit and Marine Deputy John Howell, Marine Deputy James Holleran and Deputy Matt Fritchie. Thank you to our dispatch team as well.

Posted by Martin County Sheriff's Office on Sunday, September 10, 2017
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