Five People Overboard After Boat Capsizes Nearly 30 Miles Offshore from St. Lucie Inlet; Search Efforts Ongoing to Locate Missing Individual
ST. LUCIE INLET, FL – April 13, 2025
A tragic boating accident off the coast of St. Lucie Inlet has left five individuals missing after their boat overturned nearly 30 miles offshore on Sunday. The incident occurred in the early morning hours, and a Good Samaritan who witnessed the capsizing immediately notified the U.S. Coast Guard, prompting an urgent search and rescue operation.
Details of the Incident
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the overturned vessel was carrying five people—four adults and one minor—when it capsized in the rough waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Fortunately, four individuals were rescued from the water by Coast Guard crews who arrived on the scene swiftly. However, one person remains missing, and search teams are actively looking for the individual.
“Our crews are doing everything they can to locate the missing person, and we are continuing to search the area,” said Lt. Commander Olivia Martinez of the U.S. Coast Guard. “We are working alongside local authorities, and we urge anyone with information to assist in this operation.”
Search and Rescue Efforts
The Coast Guard has deployed multiple resources to aid in the search, including helicopters and boats, scouring the waters around the St. Lucie Inlet. The rescue teams have been working tirelessly to locate the missing person, but the challenging ocean conditions have made the search more difficult.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the individuals involved, as next of kin are still being notified. However, it is known that all passengers were wearing life jackets when the boat capsized, which likely contributed to the survival of the four rescued individuals.
Boat Safety and Precautions
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of offshore boating, especially in areas far from shore. The U.S. Coast Guard is urging all boaters to ensure their vessels are equipped with the proper safety gear, including life jackets, flotation devices, and emergency communication equipment.
“Safety should always be the top priority when going out on the water,” said Commander Stephen McNamara of the U.S. Coast Guard. “We encourage everyone to double-check their equipment and be aware of changing weather conditions before venturing out into open waters.”
Ongoing Investigation and Updates
At this time, Coast Guard officials are continuing to search for the missing individual, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available. The cause of the boat capsizing is still under investigation, and authorities are working to determine whether any mechanical failure or external factors contributed to the accident.
The community has been urged to stay alert and avoid the area while search operations continue.
A Call for Public Assistance
The U.S. Coast Guard is asking for assistance from the public, particularly anyone who may have seen the incident or has information about the location of the missing person. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the Coast Guard’s search and rescue operations center.
Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those involved in this tragic incident. We continue to hope for the safe return of the missing individual.