ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. -- 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.