2 people, cat taken to safety after ‘dramatic rescue’ from sailboat stranded at jetties

MAYPORT, Fla. – Two people and a cat were rescued Thursday morning when their sailboat became stranded at the mouth of the jetties near the entrance of Mayport.

Jacksonville Fire and Rescue said marine crews and U.S. Coast Guard members made the “dramatic rescue” of the 34-foot sailboat around 4 a.m. Thursday.

JFRD said the sailboat is from Virginia and lost power. It was slamming against the rocks of the jetties with each wave. The Coast Guard said the vessel began taking on water.

JFRD said the conditions were very dangerous early Thursday morning, due to a developing nor’easter.

The crews worked together to pull the two people aboard the sailboat -- and their cat -- off the boat and transport them to safety.

They had no significant injuries, JFRD said.

Crews were working to remove the sailboat from the rocks after the rescue.