OP1 was drifting, dragging anchor, in a derelict vessel he moved onto and  took responsibility for. The mast hit the power lines at Heckscher Dr. on Browns Creek, which started a fire. He was wearing  a life jacket, pfd, and swam to shore.

The owner was not present. He passed away in May, 2023. His vessel was discovered abandon in June.

Investigator left the scene and proceeded to UF Health. Investigator 2 went to the hospital as well. There she spoke with OCCUPANT/TRANSIENT. He did not appear to have any injuries but was shaken up from the incident. He stated that he was having problems holding anchor that night. He said his boat drifted and kept hitting the shrimp boats. He stated that the employees agreed to take him back out into the middle of the river. There, he put up his sail and drifted with the wind and current. The wind pushed him towards the Browns Creek Bridge. There his mast and sail struck the JEA powerlines. This caused huge sparks and ignited the sailboat. OCCUPANT/TRANSIENT stated that he was shocked 2 good times and ended up in the water. He stated he was wearing a life jacket at the time. He yelled for help and remembers swimming to shore.

OCCUPANT/TRANSIENT stated that he had no desire to ever get back on that boat again, except to get his wallet and clothes.

Browns Creek
JACKSONVILLE                  