Coast Guard Rescues 5 Men from Capsized Boat Off Florida Coast

Five men were rescued from a capsized boat off the coast of Florida on Sunday after their vessel overturned 11 miles from Mayport. All five men were wearing life jackets when they were rescued and there were no reported injuries. The cause of the capsizing is still under investigation.

Five men were rescued from a capsized boat off the coast of Florida on Sunday, July 9, 2023. The men were huddled atop the overturned vessel when they were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).

Coast Guard Rescues 5 Men from Capsized Boat Off Florida Coast

Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville was alerted to the capsized 24-foot vessel at 10:15 a.m. in the waters off Mayport, a community near Jacksonville. 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. The crew safely brought all five men aboard the Coast Guard boat.

Coast Guard Rescues 5 Men from Capsized Boat Off Florida Coast

All five men were wearing life jackets as they awaited rescuers. (U.S. Coast Guard / Station Mayport)

No injuries were reported.

Coast Guard Rescues 5 Men from Capsized Boat 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.

Coast Guard Rescues 5 Men from Capsized Boat 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 a 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.

Coast Guard Rescues 5 Men from Capsized Boat 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.

All five men were reunited with their family on shore. (U.S. Coast Guard / Station Mayport)

Coast Guard Rescues 5 Men from Capsized Boat Off Florida Coast