Coast Guard and boat in distress questions

[onefishtwofish]

My nephew and I were fishing today and heard the Coast Guard side of a conversation with a 32' Sailboat near Destin. They asked the usual questions and then asked if they were a member of SeaTow or Towboat. It got us to wondering. We assumed by the coast guard answers and the ETA of 1 hour for aid to arrive that they were not sinking and were not in imminent peril (we assumed a helo would have been dispatched). When that happens, who tows the boat in? We assumed it would not be the CG, but would be left to a private individual or company. Is that correct? Kinda wondered if maybe it was not on its side and later righted, or if the sail had been damaged or something. Just curious.

[mjsigns]

Here is a starting point that kind of lays out who is responsible for what actions.....

Http://www.ehow.com/list_6847795_boat-s ... orida.html

http://www.ehow.com/list_6897579_florid ... -laws.html