1 Dead, 3 Missing After Boat Capsizes In St. Johns River Near Jacksonville

U.S. Coast Guard crews search for missing boaters in the St. Johns River. Credit: U.S. Coast Guard

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The U.S.Coast Guard suspended its search for three missing people, Saturday, on the St. Johns River pending the development of new information.

Coast Guard crews searched by air and sea for approximately 17 hours, covering more than 270 square miles.

“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.” ​

On Friday, Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville command center watchstanders received a report via VHF-FM channel 16 of an overturned 18-foot vessel with four people on top of the vessel and an additional four people possibly underneath the vessel. No one aboard the vessel was reportedly wearing lifejackets.

A Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office marine unit rescued the four people on top of the vessel. One person was recovered from the water unresponsive. A Coast Guard Station Mayport rescue swimmer and Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office divers searched beneath the vessel but found no one..