Five men were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) on Sunday after their 24-foot vessel capsized 11 miles off the coast of Florida. All five men were wearing life jackets and were found sitting atop the overturned boat.
Five men huddled atop a capsized boat were rescued on Sunday after their vessel overturned 11 miles off the coast of Florida, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) officials said.
Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville was alerted at 10:15 a.m. to the capsized 24-foot vessel in the waters off Mayport, a community near Jacksonville, USCG said in a statement.
Five Men Rescued After Boat Capsizes Off Florida Coast
Five people were reported to be in the water, prompting the Coast Guard to immediately deploy a boat and air crew.
When the boat crew arrived at the capsized vessel, officials said they spotted all five men wearing life jackets sitting atop the overturned boat.
Five Men Rescued After Boat Capsizes Off Florida Coast
The crew safely brought all five men aboard the Coast Guard boat.
No injuries were reported.
Five Men Rescued After Boat Capsizes Off Florida Coast
The cause of the capsizing remains under investigation. Officials said that weather conditions at the time were reported to be 10-knot winds with 3-to-4-foot waves.
Cmdr. Nick Barrow, Sector Jacksonville search and rescue mission coordinator, warned boaters that life jackets can mean the difference between life and death on the unpredictable seas.
Five Men Rescued After Boat Capsizes Off Florida Coast
"While on the water, situations can become unpredictable and dangerous in an instant, so it's crucial to be prepared," Barrow said in the statement. "Having life jackets for everyone aboard your vessel can help save lives by providing essential buoyancy and increasing visibility in the water."
The owner salvaged the vessel on Monday. USCG officials said there were no reports of pollution or sheen observed at the site where the boat overturned.
Five Men Rescued After Boat Capsizes Off Florida Coast
The USCG shared photos of the rescue operation, including one showing the men reuniting with family members at the Mayport Boat Ramp.
The rescue operation is a reminder of the importance of wearing life jackets while boating. Life jackets can help keep you afloat and increase your visibility in the water, which can increase your chances of being rescued if you fall overboard.
Five Men Rescued After Boat Capsizes Off Florida Coast
The USCG recommends that all boaters wear life jackets whenever they are on the water. Life jackets should be properly fitted and should be approved by the USCG.
The USCG also recommends that boaters file a float plan with a friend or family member before they go boating. A float plan should include information about your boat, your destination, and your expected return time. Filing a float plan can help rescuers locate you if you are overdue.
Boating can be a fun and enjoyable activity, but it is important to be aware of the risks and to take steps to stay safe. By wearing life jackets, filing a float plan, and being aware of the weather conditions, you can help reduce your risk of being involved in a boating accident.
