1 dead, 3 still missing after boat capsizes on Florida river

By Nadine El-Bawab & Victoria Arancio

One person is dead and three others are still missing after a boat capsized on St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida.

After searching for more than 17 hours "by air and sea" and covering more than 270 square miles, the Coast Guard said Saturday evening it was suspending its search.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of those missing," said Lt. Cmdr. Barton Nanney, a Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville search and rescue mission coordinator.

USCG Southeast

In this image released by the US Coast Guard, the search continuies for three people on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Fla., on March 22, 2025.

"Suspending search efforts is an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking decision, made only after an exhaustive and thorough search. We are truly grateful to our partner agencies for their relentless efforts and unwavering support," Nanney said. ​

The Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department responded to a reported capsized 18-foot vessel with multiple people in the water at 8 p.m. on Friday.

Four people were pulled from the water upon arrival of first responders and four more were unaccounted for.

No one aboard the boat had been wearing lifejackets, the Coast Guard said.

Multiple agencies' boats, search teams, helicopters and a drone unit continued search efforts for the missing people. One of the four missing people was found dead.

The boat, which had flipped over, has been recovered and towed, officials said. The cause of the capsizing is under investigation, the Coast Guard said.