Boater missing, vessel capsizes after striking Buckman Bridge

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department responded to a capsized boat late Wednesday afternoon near the Buckman Bridge, and the operator of that boat has not been located.

Shortly before 5 p.m., JFRD said units were on scene. Fire and Rescue said the vessel struck one of the pilings under the Buckman and capsized north of the bridge.

As of 7:15 p.m., the boater had not been located, according to Eric Prosswimmer, spokesperson for JFRD. Crews were towing the boat to an area near NAS Jacksonville.

The investigation was being turned over to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

It’s believed the boater was the only person on board.