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The boat capsized near the Dames Point Bridge in Jacksonville Friday evening, sending eight people into the water. Four were rescued and one was found dead.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The U.S. Coast Guard is suspending the search for three missing boaters, including two children, 17 hours after their boat capsized on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville Friday evening.
The Coast Guard said in a statement they’re suspending the search pending the development of new information.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of those missing,” said Lt. Cmdr. Barton Nanney, a Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville search and rescue mission coordinator. “Suspending search efforts is an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking decision, made only after an exhaustive and thorough search. We are truly grateful to our partner agencies for their relentless efforts and unwavering support.”
The Coast Guard said the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission took lead on search efforts and anyone with information should contact 911.
What Happened?
Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department (JFRD) Capt. Eric Prosswimmer said crews responded to a call of a capsized boat near the Dames Point Bridge in Jacksonville around 8 p.m. Friday with multiple people in the water.
JFRD responded with four rescue boats to the scene, finding four people still onboard the overturned 18-foot boat and rescuing them from the water.
Prosswimmer said crews were told four other people were still missing, including two children, and a search began.
First responders with JFRD, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Wildlife Commission, and others were on scene searching, finding one person dead near the boat.
The Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville was notified around 7 p.m. and alerted other agencies, including JFRD, to respond. The Coast Guard said Saturday crews are searching for an adult and two minors.
The Coast Guard and other agencies continued searching overnight, while JFRD crews resumed the search Saturday morning, Prosswimmer said.
The Coast Guard said no one aboard the vessel was reportedly wearing lifejackets.
The search effort also delayed the return of the Carnival Elation cruise ship from a scheduled cruise by three hours, creating delays for guests onboard and ashore.
