The St. Lucie Inlet off the Florida coast became the scene of a tragic incident with authorities confirming one fatality after a boat capsized. The U.S. Coast Guard launched a search and rescue operation yesterday following reports that a vessel had overturned two days earlier. According to a statement obtained by WSVN, four survivors were rescued from the water by a good Samaritan, while five others remain missing.
Initial reports indicate that the boat had departed from the Bahamas, with the disaster striking on Friday. Spotted by a good Samaritan, one of the rescued passengers recounted the ordeal, but their words were shadowed with the knowledge that not all aboard had been located. Martin County Fire Rescue later confirmed to ABC News that the U.S. Coast Guard had been alerted to the incident, which occurred some 29 miles from the coast.
The rescued individuals were airlifted to safety, with Martin County Fire Rescue personnel receiving them at Stuart Airport. "5 occupants were located, 1 of whom was deceased. 4 were transported for further evaluation," stated the Martin County Fire Rescue in a post, as detailed by ABC News. They added that the survivors were taken to Cleveland Clinic's Martin South Hospital in Martin County, Florida, with one person suffering from serious injuries while the others had injuries that were not life-threatening.
As the efforts continue, the Coast Guard confirmed yesterday afternoon that the search for the five still missing is ongoing. Helicopters hovering over the unforgiving sea, which marker buoys were also utilized, the search comprised of a concerted effort to find any sign of the remaining passengers.
