V1 was traveling at a slow rate of speed and began taking on water from an unknown source. The vessel listed to its port side, while moving, and capsized, ejecting the operator into the water. 
On 07/01/2023 at 1101 hours, FWC was dispatched by patrol vessel to a boating accident approximately 1.5 nautical miles east of the St. Augustine Pier in the Atlantic Ocean. 

Upon arrival at the listed location above at 1122 hours, I observed a capsized recreational fishing vessel floating in the ocean. Its operator was aboard a St. John's County Sheriff's Office vessel and was uninjured. The vessel was identified as a black and white, 2002, 21' SeaPro. The operator boarded our patrol vessel for the remainder of the investigation. 

The operator was identified as OP1. He advised he was trolling for kingfish at a slow rate of speed in an easterly course when his vessel began taking on water from an unknown location. He stated the vessel listed to its port side and capsized due to the water intrusion. He was ejected into the water, but sustained no injury. There was no other vessel involved in this accident. He stated he was having issues with the live well prior to the accident and that it could have also been a fuse issue. 

TowBoat US responded to the scene and took possession of the vessel. It was taken to Vilano Boat Ramp and salvaged.
Atlantic
ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH           