Florida man saved at sea by Coast Guard from partially submerged boat after 24-hour search and rescue effort

A 25-year-old lacking boater was rescued Saturday morning after aimlessly floating on his partially submerged boat 12 miles off the Florida coast for over 24 hours, the US Coast Guard mentioned.

In a press launch, the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG) Southeast district mentioned that they started looking for Charles Gregory on Friday night, after he was final seen leaving a ship ramp in St. Augustine, Florida, aboard a 12-foot Jon boat Thursday.

His household contacted officers after the skilled boater did not return by dusk.

The USCG, St. Augustine Police Division and different companion businesses used a HC-130 Hercules airplane, a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and two response boats to seek for the lacking man within the Atlantic Ocean.

On Saturday morning, an HC-130 Hercules airplane aircrew noticed Gregory sitting in his partially submerged Jon boat.

Video released by USCG reveals Gregory sitting within the heart of the small boat together with his ft submerged within the water, because the boat bobbed up and down within the waves.

After the airplane noticed him, a small raft is seen coming alongside Gregory and aiding him from his swamped boat.

Authorities mentioned EMS personnel transferred him to shore, the place he was reunited together with his household.

Apart from being severely sunburned from the blistering Sunshine State climate, Gregory didn’t maintain any severe accidents, the Coast Guard mentioned.

Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville search and rescue mission coordinator Cmdr. Nick Barrow mentioned that the company is “happy with the result” after rescuing Gregory from a “life-threatening scenario.”

“We’re happy concerning the final result on this case and I wish to thank all of our native and state companions who had been closely concerned in looking for Charles and bringing him residence to his household,” Barrow mentioned.

Barrow added that Gregory’s rescue story is a crucial reminder to boaters to convey the right security gear aboard to “put together for the worst.”

“Whereas this case resulted in rescuing Charles from a life-threatening scenario, it highlights the significance of getting security gear onboard and being ready for the worst,” Barrow mentioned. “When you plan to move out on the water, keep in mind to have a life jacket, VHF marine grade radio, signaling gadgets, and an emergency private locator beacon to contact first responders in case you’re in want of help.”