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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Coast Guard and partner agencies rescued two people, Saturday, after their vessel began taking on water 3 miles off St. Augustine Beach.
Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville watchstanders received a notification at 11:37 a.m. via VHF-FM channel 16, from the operator of the Atlantis, an 80-foot motor yacht, stating their vessel struck an object in the water and was taking on water.
Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and directed the launch of a Coast Guard Station Mayport boat crew to assist. Watchstanders also coordinated with St. Johns Sheriff's Office, St. Augustine Police Department, St. Johns County Fire and Rescue and nearby good Samaritans to assist.
Watchstanders requested the operator activate their emergency position indicating radio beacon which assisted in validating the vessel’s position.
Marine units from St. Johns Sheriff's Office and St. Augustine Police Department arrived on scene and retrieved both people from the yacht.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partner agencies for their invaluable assistance during this case," said Senior Chief Petty Officer Ricardo Santacana, command duty officer, Sector Jacksonville. “With the weather improving and mariners heading out onto the water, it's imperative for everyone to verify the presence of all necessary safety equipment aboard their vessel. This ensures that responders, as demonstrated in this case, can swiftly locate you and render assistance when an emergency arises.”
Watchstanders issued a hazard to navigation broadcast to alert mariners of the partially submerged vessel.
The owner of the vessel will arrange salvage and the cause of the incident is under investigation.
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