Air Force rescues 2 Germans from boat fire far out at sea

MIAMI — Air Force reserve personnel have rescued two German citizens after their sailboat caught fire far out at sea.

A news release Saturday from the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, said the German father and son were rescued about 500 miles (800 kilometers) from the South Florida coast using long-range aircraft that refuel during flight.

Their names and hometowns were not immediately released. A base spokeswoman said the 48-year-old son suffered burns on his legs. He and his 66-year-old father were taken to an Orlando hospital.

The Air Force aircraft arrived with the two men in a lifeboat and a freighter approaching to help out. A pair of HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters hoisted the victims from the freighter and flew them to Florida, refueling in midair.

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