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Press Release | July 7, 2024

PHOTO RELEASE: Coast Guard rescues 5 after vessel capsizes 11 miles off Mayport

PADET Jacksonville - Office: 904-714-7606 / After Hours: 786-393-4138

Editor's Note: Click here to download PADET Jacksonville imagery

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Coast Guard Station Mayport boat crew rescued five people, Sunday, after their 24-foot vessel capsized 11 miles offshore Mayport. 

Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville command center watchstanders received a 911 relay from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at 10:15 a.m., of a capsized vessel with 5 people in the water. 

Watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard Station Mayport boat crew and a Coast Guard Air Station Savannah helicopter crew to assist.

The boat crew arrived on scene, observed five people wearing lifejackets on top of an overturned vessel, and brought all five aboard the response boat. 

The boat crew transported the men to Mayport Boat Ramp to awaiting family members and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission personnel. 

“While on the water, situations can become unpredictable and dangerous in an instant, so it's crucial to be prepared,” said Cmdr. Nick Barrow, Sector Jacksonville search and rescue mission coordinator. “Having life jackets for everyone aboard your vessel can help save lives by providing essential buoyancy and increasing visibility in the water. We appreciate the swift emergency communications relay with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office enabling a rapid response to the scene.” 

The vessel was left adrift and the owner will arrange for its salvage. 

No injuries were reported and the cause of the capsizing is under investigation. 

On-scene weather conditions were reported to be 10-knot winds with 3 to 4-foot seas. 

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-USCG-