JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Five people were recovered from a capsized vessel 11 miles from Mayport Sunday morning, according to United States Coast Guard Southeast.
The boaters, who were wearing lifejackets, were not injured, a USCG spokesperson said. Regional command deployed a boat from Mayport and helicopter from Savannah around 10:15 a.m. following a notification from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, which received a 911 call.
The boaters left from the Mayport Boat Ramp, the spokesperson said. Coast Guard personnel found the boaters on top of the capsized 24-foot vessel.
The boat crew transported the men back to the Mayport Boat Ramp to family members and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission personnel, a press release said.
“While on the water, situations can become unpredictable and dangerous in an instant, so it's crucial to be prepared,” Sector Jacksonville Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator Cmdr. Nick Barrow said. “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, the Coast Guard said.