Coast Guard Suspends Search for Three Missing After Boat Capsizes on St. Johns River, One Dead

The Coast Guard has suspended its search for three missing passengers, including an adult and two children, after an 18-foot boat capsized on the St. Johns River near Goat Island in Jacksonville, Florida, Fox News reports.

The announcement came Saturday evening, just before 7 p.m., after a 17-hour search that covered 270 square miles. One person was recovered deceased on Friday.

The incident began around 7 p.m. Friday when Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville received an alert about the capsized vessel. Initial reports indicated four people were clinging to the overturned hull, while another four were believed to be trapped underneath.

Authorities were able to rescue the four individuals on top of the boat. The Coast Guard confirmed that none of the passengers were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.

“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, in a statement. “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 deployed a rescue boat and helicopter crew in the search efforts. They were assisted by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

“The four people on top of the vessel were rescued by a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office marine unit, and one person was recovered from the water unresponsive,” stated a Coast Guard news release. A Coast Guard Station Mayport rescue surface swimmer attempted to make contact with individuals reportedly trapped beneath the vessel but received no response.

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office divers searched the area underneath the overturned boat but were unable to locate anyone.

“At this point, we have found one person from the missing, and they are deceased,” Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department Capt. Eric Prosswimmer told reporters on Friday night. “It’s a really unfortunate situation, and our hearts go out to all the family members.”

Officials have not yet released the age of the deceased individual.