Fire Rescue: Multiple agencies involved in Vilano Inlet rescue after boat begins sinking
Boat rescue Multiple agencies assisted in rescuing two boaters when they ran aground at the Vilano Inlet on Wednesday. (St. Johns County Fire Rescue)
By ActionNewsJax.com News Staff
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — A boat that ran aground this afternoon on the Northside of Vilano Inlet took on water and began sinking. People on the boat immediately sent a distress signal.
St. Johns County Fire Rescue was the first on scene. They located two people about 200 yards from the boat with the current pulling them out to sea. Both were wearing life jackets when they jumped into the water. Fire Rescue said this helped crews locate them quickly in rough seas.
Boat runs aground A boat with two people onboard takes on water at the Vilano Inlet. (St. johns County Fire Rescue)
SJCFR witnessed the incident A member of the St. Johns County Marine Rescue Division witnessed a boat run aground at Vilano Inlet on Wednesday. (St. johns County Fire Rescue)
Grabbing the ski SJCFR Watercraft 9 was the first on scene a located 2 boaters in the water. (St. johns County Fire Rescue)
Group effort St. Johns County Sheriff's Office Air and Marine Units, Florida Fish and Wildlife, and U.S. Coast Guard Station Mayport all helped in the rescue. (St. johns County Fire Rescue)
Taken to Vilano Boat Ramp Two boaters rescued on the inlet were brought to the Vilano Boat Ramp for further medical treatment. (St. johns County Fire Rescue)
SJCFR rescue At the boat ramp, the boaters declined further medical treatment and transport to a hospital. (St. johns County Fire Rescue)
Vilano Inlet rescue SJCFR Watercraft 9 found two boaters around 200 yards from their vessel after it began taking on water and sinking. (St. johns County Fire Rescue)
Wearing their lifejackets SJCFR said both boaters were wearing their lifejackets when rescue crews found them in the water. (St. johns County Fire Rescue)
The two boaters were taken to the Vilano Boat Ramp by St. Augustine Fire Department Marine 49 where both declined further medical treatment.
St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Air and Marine Units, Florida Fish and Wildlife, and U.S. Coast Guard Station Mayport all assisted in rescue efforts.
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