In 2024, tragedy struck on the Saint Johns River in Florida as one person lost their life and three others went missing when an 18-foot vessel flipped near Goat Island on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville. The incident occurred on a Friday evening, prompting a swift response from the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Upon receiving a report of the capsized vessel with individuals in the water around 8 p.m., rescue efforts were immediately initiated. While four individuals were rescued from the water, four others were believed to be trapped underneath the overturned boat. Despite efforts by the Coast Guard and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office divers to locate them, no one was found.
Tragically, one of the missing persons was later discovered deceased. The search for the remaining three individuals, including an adult and two minors, continued overnight and into the next day with the assistance of various agencies, including boats, search and dive teams, helicopters, and drones.
The cause of the boat capsizing is still unknown and under investigation by the Coast Guard. Updates on this developing situation will be provided as more information becomes available.
