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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Coast Guard rescued three people, Sunday, after their sailing vessel sank 1 mile north of the entrance to St. Marys Inlet, Georgia.
Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville watchstanders received a notification at 1 p.m. via VHF-FM channel 16 from the operator of the Last Chance, a 26-foot sailboat, stating the vessel had run aground and was taking on water. All three people donned life jackets and were preparing to disembark the vessel onto a dingy.
Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast notifying all mariners in the area of the distress and directed the launch of a Coast Guard Station Mayport boat crew and a Coast Guard Air Station Savannah helicopter crew to assist. Nassau County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit and multiple good Samaritans also proceeded to the vessel’s position to assist.
The boat crew and helicopter crew arrived on scene and located the sailing vessel submerged. The three boaters were in a dingy nearby and brought aboard the response boat.
The boat crew transported all three people to awaiting EMS at Dee Dee Bartels Boat Ramp in Fernandina Beach and assessed for injuries.
On scene weather conditions were reportedly 20 mph winds and 3 to 5-foot seas.
A safety marine information broadcast is being transmitted notifying mariners of the submerged vessel.
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