TAMPA, Fla. — Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies prevented a potentially dangerous situation after a pontoon boat carrying six adults became stranded in the path of an outbound cruise ship.

The pontoon’s propeller had become tangled in a line, leaving the vessel unable to move in the channel. Deputies with HCSO’s Marine Enforcement Section quickly responded, conducting an emergency tow to pull the boat to safety.

Once the immediate danger had passed, deputies stayed with the pontoon until its crew was able to get the vessel operable again.

The sheriff’s office emphasized that its Marine Enforcement Section is always prepared to assist boaters when emergencies arise on the water.

Source: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office