The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) continues its intensive search efforts following a tragic boating accident on the St. Johns River on the night of Friday, March 21. At least eight people were aboard the 18-foot vessel when it capsized, leaving four survivors, one confirmed deceased, and two others still missing.
As of Sunday evening, one more body was recovered, but the search remains active for the final two missing boaters, including a child. JSO’s Marine and Dive Units have been deployed, using advanced SONAR technology to scan the waters, while the Air Unit assists from above.
The agencies working around the clock include the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville.
By early Monday morning, JSO Marine and Dive Unit officers recovered the body of a third victim, a child, located east of the Dames Point Bridge. An adult victim was recovered on Sunday evening. The search for the last missing child continues, with all available resources focused on bringing closure to the devastated families.
The U.S. Coast Guard had initially received a report of the overturned boat at approximately 7 p.m. on Friday. Four people were found on top of the vessel, and rescuers discovered another victim already deceased. Despite exhaustive search efforts through the weekend, crews are still searching for the remaining two boaters.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with FWC leading the efforts to determine the factors that contributed to the capsizing.
JSO and its partner agencies are committed to continuing their search and offering support to those affected by this devastating accident.
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