VIDEO: Sarasota police anchor boat in powerful storm surge

SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — Sarasota police shared a new video from Hurricane Helene’s devastating storm surge last week.

As the storm made landfall in Florida on Sept. 26, officers responded to a distress call around 9 p.m. for a sailboat near the Centennial Park and 10th Street boat ramp.

The video shows officials battling the elements— facing the storm’s high winds and rising waters, as they worked to help anchor the rocking boat.

An officer is seen standing in several feet of water, as the water rushes past him.

“They need to get off that boat,” an officer is heard saying in the video.

The department said their quick response helped prevent a disaster, save lives and secure the equipment.

Police were applauded for their “incredible bravery” in responding to the risky situation, but putting the communities needs above all else.

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