A heartbreaking situation is unfolding in Florida after a boat capsized in the St. Johns River last week. Authorities continue searching for a missing child while confirming the deaths of three people.
The accident happened on Friday, March 21, when the U.S. Coast Guard received an alert about an overturned 18-foot vessel. Four people were seen on top of the boat, while another four were believed to be trapped underneath.
Authorities confirmed that none of the eight people on board were wearing life jackets. A GoFundMe page identified the victims as Cristian Marin, his children Victoria and Juan Camilo Marin, and his mother, Nubia Romero. So far, everyone has been found except for little Victoria.
Rescue teams responded quickly. The sheriff’s office’s marine unit saved four people who were on top of the vessel. One person was pulled from the water unresponsive and later pronounced dead. Efforts to reach the people reportedly trapped under the boat were unsuccessful. Divers searched the area but found no one.
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue stated that the group had been out taking sunset photos when the incident occurred.
After a 17-hour search covering 270 square miles, the Coast Guard suspended efforts to find three missing individuals—one adult and two minors. Authorities are still searching for the missing child, hoping for any signs despite the difficult conditions.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is leading the investigation. Strong currents in the St. Johns River are making the search more challenging. The river, which stretches 310 miles, requires dive teams to move at slow speeds while using sonar technology.
Boating safety experts say currents in some areas can reach up to 8-10 mph, making rescue operations more complicated. Even when a boat is rated for a certain number of passengers, it is often safer to carry fewer people.
A GoFundMe fundraiser shared details about the victims, describing Cristian Marin as a devoted father. His mother, Nubia Romero, had traveled from Colombia to visit family.
Cristian’s wife, Paula Valderrama, shared her gratitude through a friend, thanking those who helped search for her family. She expressed deep sorrow but also appreciation for the prayers and support she has received.