Watch Live

Watch Live
Weekend newscasts online

°

Homepage / Jacksonville News
Text Size

Crews Call Off Rescue Effort For Lost Fisherman

1 Man Rescued, Another Missing At Vilano Beach

POSTED: Sunday, July 1, 2007
UPDATED: 9:14 pm EDT July 1, 2007

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office along with the United States Coast Guard and St. Johns County Marine Rescue responded to the Vilano Beach Bridge Sunday afternoon after two fishermen were caught in a swift current.

According to the report, a large boat wake caused one of the fishermen to loose his footing and begin to drift at about 12:30 p.m. The second fisherman, identified as Birgilio Bautista-Pena, 22, of Clay County, went deeper into the water to assist his friend and according to witnesses, was observed going beneath the surface of the water.

A “Sea Tow” vessel in the area saw the incident and threw a flotation device to the initial distressed man and then assisted him to shore.

Sheriff’s office boats searched the surface waters, while divers dove to the bottom of the channel in an attempt to locate Bautista-Pena.

A Coast Guard helicopter assisted by one of their vessels dropped buoys into the water and followed the currents, in hopes of locating the man.

Bautista-Pena was described as not being a proficient swimmer to officials at the scene.

The search was called off around dusk and according to authorities, will resume with recovery efforts on Monday.

Sponsored Links

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Before you splurge on that pricey remodeling project, beware. It may not pay you back when it's time to sell. More

Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

Want to lose weight? Get a diet and fitness plan customized for you from Jillian Michaels of TV’s Biggest Loser. MoreClick Here

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

Most Popular

  • StoriesClick to Expand

    • 11-Year-Old Girl Helps Deliver Baby

      Gainesville baby with mom and sisterAn 11-year-old Gainesville girl called 911 and helped her mom deliver her newborn baby sister when the big moment came before they could get to the hospital.

    • Robbery Suspect Shot By Police

      Family Dollar police-involved shootingThe Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is investigating after they say a robbery suspect was shot by one of their officers on the Northside Saturday night.

    • Blue Angels Soar Over Jacksonville Beach

      Thousands of people crowd the beach on Saturday to get a glimpse of the high-flying jets.

    • House Passes Health Care Bill On Close Vote

      Health InsuranceIn a victory for President Barack Obama, the Democratic-controlled House narrowly passed landmark health care legislation Saturday night to expand coverage to tens of millions who lack it and place tough new restrictions on the insurance industry. Republican opposition was nearly unanimous.

    • Service Set For Children Killed By Dad

      Katie and Kevin WhitelawA family still coming to grips with the death of two children at the hands of their father -- who then took his own life -- announced plans for a Sunday memorial service.

  • VideoClick to Expand

  • SlideshowsClick to Expand

    • Your Photos Of Sea & Air Spectacular

      Air show pix: Blue Angels jet with flagSEE IT, SNAP IT, SEND IT: Thousands of eyes and nearly as many cameras are pointed toward the sky over Jacksonville's beaches this weekend for the Sea & Air Spectacular.

    • Quinn Gray Evidence Photos

      Quinn Gray shows injuries she says were a result of her kidnappingQuinn Gray showed investigators marks on her arms and legs she said were the result of her kidnapping. Slideshow

    • Images: Flames Engulf, Destroy Mobile Home

      Nassau County House FireAn 800 square foot mobile home in Nassau County was destroyed by fire Tuesday night. Both residents in the home escaped safely.

    • Have You Seen These Fugitives?

      WOJ-ANDRE-FULTZCapturing N.E. Florida's wanted suspects is a tough task, so the local station is trying to help with the Wheel of Justice. Every Thursday morning, the wheel spins and a wanted fugitive is profiled. Images: Fugitives On 'Wheel'