Camden County

The Coast Guard rescues 4 adults, 4 children, and a dog after sailboat hits rocks

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. —

Four adults, four children and a dog were rescued by the Coast Guard Sunday evening after their sailboat hit some rocks on the north jetty in St. Mary’s Inlet, Georgia.

The survivors were transported to Dee Dee Boat Ramp in Fernandina Beach, where emergency medical services personnel were waiting.

Two people were transported to Baptist Medical Center for advanced care.

Nassau County sheriff’s marine unit sent the Coast Guard Station Mayport 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew to the scene.

The Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville received the initial notification from a man radioing in that they were disabled on a sailing vessel.

The 30-foot sailboat became disabled due to engine failure after hitting rocks.

“We are extremely fortunate this case resulted in eight lives saved, but it also serves as a critical reminder to recreational boaters that conditions throughout the Southeast are extremely unpredictable and dangerous right now,” said Capt. Mark Vlaun, Sector Jacksonville’s commanding officer.

Vlaun added, “Tropical Storm Eta is a large storm, and all water-based activity should be avoided until weather improves.”


Bailey Husker

Bailey Husker

Bailey Husker is a digital content producer for Action News Jax.