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Press Release | Jan. 18, 2026

Coast Guard rescues boaters from capsized vessel off Ponce Inlet

PADET Jacksonville - Office: 904-714-7606 / After Hours: 786-393-4138

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Coast Guard Station Ponce de Leon Inlet boat crew rescued two people, Sunday, after their 15-foot boat capsized 4 miles off of Ponce Inlet.  

The boat crew arrived on scene, rescued the boaters from the water and transported them to Coast Guard Station Ponce de Leon Inlet with no reported medical concerns. 

A 911 dispatcher alerted Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville watchstanders at 1:04 p.m., of the boaters distress. The watchstanders stayed on the phone with the boaters until the boat crew arrived on scene.

“Having a reliable means of communication can be the difference in a maritime emergency,” said Lt. Cmdr. Barton Nanney, a Sector Jacksonville search and rescue mission coordinator. “We want to remind anyone going out on the water to have all necessary safety equipment to include Coast Guard approved life jackets, VHF radio, signaling devices and an emergency position indicating radio beacon or personal locator beacon.” 

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-USCG-