Vessel rescued near St Augustine inlet

At approximately 5:00 p.m. yesterday evening, St John County Fire-Rescue Lieutenant Jeremy Robshaw reported to Historic City News that emergency personnel were responding to a call for help from a vessel in distress near the St Augustine inlet.

Initial reports were that a 16ft vessel with two occupants had lost power, was taking on water and was being pulled out to sea on an outgoing tide. Conditions at the time included 10-12 knot NE winds, 2-4ft seas and water temperature of 58 degrees.

Marine Rescue personnel along with St Augustine Fire-Marine Unit 49 responded to the area with multiple watercraft and made contact with the vessel. The vessel was able to secure anchor, but was in the southern shoal area being battered by heavy surf.

One occupant required immediate removal from the vessel due to a medical condition. They were transported to an emergency medical team on shore for evaluation.

One rescuer remained with the vessel and helped coordinate a tow operation using county watercraft to get the boat out of immediate harm.

Once the vessel was safely inside the inlet it was secured and anchored until a commercial tow company arrived on scene. The vessel was safely towed to port via the commercial company without incident. There were no additional injuries reported.