ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — A person was taken to the hospital after emergency crews rescued two people from a boat three miles off St. Augustine Beach on Saturday morning, according to St. Johns County Fire Rescue.
Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville watchstanders got a notification at 11:37 a.m. from the operator of an 80-foot motor yacht, stating their vessel hit an object and was taking on water.
Multiple marine units responded, including members from the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, St. Johns County Marine Rescue, St. Augustine Fire Department, United States Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville and United States Coast Guard Southeast.
SJCFR crews safely removed two people aboard the boat, but crews took one of the occupants to the Vilano Boat Ramp for transport to the hospital. The patient sustained a minor injury and is in stable condition, according to SJCFR.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to St. John’s County Fire and Rescue for their invaluable assistance during this case," said Senior Chief Petty Officer Ricardo Santacana, command duty officer, for Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville.
The boat had struck a dredge pipe and became partially submerged, prompting the rescue, SJCFR said on Facebook.
The Coast Guard is encouraging boat owners to make sure they have safety equipment aboard their vessels in the case of any emergencies.
"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," said Santacana.
The Coast Guard said the vessel's owner will arrange a time to salvage the boat, and the cause of the incident is currently under investigation.