Nassau County, Fla. (WFLA) – A man fell overboard and hanged at his anchor for nearly an hour before being rescued by the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and the Good Samaritans.
On March 13, about 4:21pm, the Dispatch warned the Marines of those suffering in Cumberland Sound near the St. Mary’s entrance channel.
According to NCSO, the agent found a 1996 Seapro Center console and arrived with someone who reported that his friend fell overboard while trying to raise an anchor.
The man fell overboard in a life jacket and clung to the anchor line in 64-degree water for about 45 minutes. The NCSO said it showed signs of severe fatigue and hypothermia.
Deputies from the NCSO and Camden County Sheriff’s Office coordinated the rescue with the help of good Samaritans. The man was pulled back around the boat.
“The incident underscores the important importance of wearing proper safety equipment while on the boat,” Sheriff Bill Reaper said. “The life jacket this individual wore definitely saved his life.”
The victim was taken to a nearby hospital for immediate medical treatment and reportedly in stable condition.
The NCSO will always wear a properly fitted life jacket, check the weather and water condition, carry the appropriate safety equipment, and remind sailors to submit a float plan to someone on the shore.
