Coast Guard rescues Fort Worth brothers stranded at sea

Two Fort Worth brothers are grateful to be alive after the U.S. Coast Guard rescues them in the Gulf of Mexico after they lost their boat in a powerful storm.

 55-year-old Wayne and 53-year-old Joe Juniker retired from their construction jobs and embarked on a sailing trip in honor of their late father. They left January 5th from Galveston on the "Ondego."

About 48 miles from Key West, the weather went south. The Junikers encountered up to 25 foot waves and wind gusts up to 55 miles per hour.

"I told my brother I said take your ID stick it deep in your pocket put on your life vest because when they find our carcass they're going to want to know who you are," Wayne Juniker said.

The engine eventually blew out and the Junikers sent out an SOS. Hours later Coast Guard rescuers hoisted them to safety.

"They were outstanding, I'm a marine and here comes the coast guard saving the marine," Juniker said.

So far there's no trace of the sail boat. The brothers believe it's gone along with all their belongings. The Junikers say they'll fly back to North Texas on Friday and will essentially have to rebuild their lives.

Link to fund for Junikers