Family of 3 rescued after Catamaran capsizes off Jacksonville Beach coast

Passengers were rescued off the sunken vessel via jet ski

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – A couple and their five-year-old daughter were rescued off of the Jacksonville Beach coast aboard a jet ski, after their catamaran capsized around 8 p.m. on Sunday.

The family said they are experienced swimmers, but were grateful for nearby rescuers.

“When I swam in, the police officer actually met me at the break,” said Taylor Hazelhurst.

Hazelhurst said their 5-year-old daughter was very brave and is doing just fine.

They also wanted to remind anyone taking out a boat, especially with smaller children, to always wear a flotation device.

Live beach cameras captured the catamaran overturned with at least two people holding on to the side.

Video then captured someone aboard a jet ski rescuing each of the passengers and bringing them towards the shore.

An emergency rescue boat also came to help.

The passengers said they had issues with their rig before the vessel went down.