On the Saint John’s River in Jacksonville Friday evening, an 18-foot boat capsized with eight people on board. While four people were rescued, one was found dead and three others, including two children, are missing.
The search continued into Saturday, but the remaining three people have not been found. According to officials, the current of the river can cause bodies or debris to drift, making it harder for divers to locate them. The operation has become more difficult with the passage of time, and with each hour that passes, the search area widens.
Rod Sullivan, a maritime law expert, emphasized that no matter the experience level of the boater, operating a vessel at night can be particularly dangerous. He highlighted the risks associated with low visibility, including the difficulty of spotting obstacles or large wakes, which can easily cause a boat to flip.
Officials revealed that none of the individuals on board the boat were wearing life vests, which likely contributed to the severity of the situation. Sullivan urged people to avoid boating after dark whenever possible, and if they must, to proceed with extreme caution.
Update: State authorities reported Monday morning that one of the children had been found dead.
