Photos courtesy: Leighann Hengemihle, Martinsburg WV
ABC NEWS 7 - ANNA MARIA ISLAND - Two people have lost their lives and two other were injured in a tragic drowning incident in the Gulf of Mexico off Anna Maria Island.
It happened around 3:30pm Thursday. According to a Manatee County Sheriff's report, an elderly married couple and their friend were swimming and rafting when the friend of the couple began to struggle with what was described as a rip current. The son of the couple, who was swimming nearby, began to call for help from bystanders. The wife apparently began to struggle as well.
The husband, son, and others attempted to bring them ashore, and did so with the assistance of rescue workers and bystanders.
Both the wife, 71-year-old Josefina Pardo, and the friend of the couple, Gerardo Hernandez, went into cardiac arrest and did not survive. The husband and son were transported for extreme fatigue as a result of their efforts.
Early reports indicate the trio drifted offshore, and while trying to get back, encountered the rip currents.
All 4 victims were taken to Blake Hospital in Bradenton. Multiple EMS units, Manatee County Marine Rescue, West Manatee Fire Rescue, and Longboat Key Fire Rescue assisted in the rescue efforts.
The area they were swimming in is off the north end of Anna Maria Island.
The victims were apparently visiting Anna Maria from the Tampa area.
