JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (WFLA) – More than a week after three sailors were retrieved after a capsized ship in Florida waters, staff have found the last missing individual, a child.
On March 21st, an 18-foot boat was capsized on the St. John’s River near Goat Island for unknown reasons. Jacksonville, a U.S. Coast Guard sector, responded to the scene and saved four people on the boat.
Previous report: Child disappears and three people die after boat capsizes in Florida waters
Four other sailors were reported likely below. Later that weekend, staff recovered the bodies of three of the four sailors. One is a child.
On Monday, the last missing bowler was found by a coastline construction crew and worked near the port on the north side of the river. The crew notified the authorities and the child’s body was recovered by FWC officials.
A family friend of the missing sailor identified the toddler as 3-year-old Victoria Marine. Other victims were the children’s siblings, fathers and grandmothers.
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NBC’s Affiliate First Coast News spoke with family friend Herman Laratta, who supported the search effort and described recovery as “bittersweet” as the family was finally shut down.
However, Laratta said that her mother has no children and husband.
Volunteers from the Jacksonville community also helped with the 10-day search.
“I felt like I was asked to help because I almost lost my son when he was three years old. I can’t imagine what this family is going through,” Julio Gonzalez told First Coast News.
USCG said no one on the boat looked like he was wearing a life jacket.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this difficult time,” FWC officials said Tuesday.
This remains an active investigation. No further details have been released.
