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MAYPORT, Fla. — The Coast Guard rescued five people whose 29-foot boat was taking on water, Friday, approximately six miles east of Mayport.
All five persons were rescued and none have reported any injuries.
Crewmembers aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Valiant were notified of the situation via VHF radio at approximately 7:45 a.m. Watchstanders in the Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville command center also heard the call. The report stated that five people were aboard the vessel Doghouse, transiting into the St. Johns River, when the boat began to take on water.
The Cutter Valiant small boat, which was currently deployed at the time, diverted to assist the five people. The Sector Jacksonville command center also deployed a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Station Mayport.
The people were removed from the sinking vessel by the Cutter Valiant small boat crew while a pump was placed aboard; the pump was unable to keep up with the flooding and the vessel eventually capsized. The RBM crew arrived on scene and the five people were transferred from the Valiant small boat. When SeaTow arrived on scene to conduct salvage, the Doghouse owner was transferred and the RBM crew brought the remaining four people to Morningstar Marina.
For more information contact the Coast Guard 7th District Public Affairs Detachment Jacksonville at 305-318-1864.
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