The search continues Monday for a missing child following a tragic boating accident on the St. Johns River, where an 18-foot vessel overturned Friday evening. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) and partner agencies have recovered the bodies of an adult and a child and are now focusing their efforts on locating the final missing child.
Early Monday morning, JSO Marine and Dive Unit officers recovered the body of a third victim, a child, east of the Dames Point Bridge. This followed the recovery of an adult’s body on Sunday evening.
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The U.S. Coast Guard received a report of the overturned vessel around 7 p.m. on Friday. Four individuals were found on top of the boat, and another deceased victim was recovered.
An extensive search, involving JSO, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD), Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), and St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO), was launched immediately, utilizing SONAR and Aviation Unit helicopters.
“This is a heartbreaking situation, and we, along with our partner agencies, are doing everything possible to find the remaining missing child and bring resolution to this tragedy. Our hearts go out to everyone affected,” the JSO stated in a release.
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Authorities are emphasizing the importance of boating safety, particularly the use of life jackets for children and exercising caution while on the water.
“This serves as a somber reminder to practice boating safety. Children should always wear life jackets, and boaters must exercise caution and understand their vessel’s limits,” the JSO said.
The FWC is leading the investigation into the incident and will release further details on the factors contributing to the tragedy as they become available.
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