One in five boating deaths in Florida happen on rivers and inlets. This is a sad fact that shows the danger on the St. Johns River. Two tragic events happened: a collision in Brevard County during a storm and a capsizing near Jacksonville.
In both cases, families are now dealing with the loss of loved ones. Officials are working hard to recover the bodies.
In Brevard County, Wyatt Syfrett, 29, and Kaitlynn (Katelynn) Stanton, 32, lost their lives. Their small Gheenoe hit a jon boat in bad weather. Stanton died at the hospital, and Syfrett was found the next day.
This accident highlights the need for safety in boating. It comes after a boating accident in Jacksonville drew attention nationwide.
Further north, in Jacksonville, three people died when a boat capsized during storms. The search for a missing child is ongoing. The family, Cristian Marin, his children, and his mother, Nubia Romero, are being supported by the community.
The incidents on the St. Johns River show how quickly things can go wrong. Investigators are looking into the weather, visibility, and equipment. The community is coming together to support the families and offer prayers.
What happened on the St. Johns River: confirmed details from multiple incidents
Two emergencies happened on the St. Johns River. One was due to severe weather, and the other was an overturned boat. Each incident is being looked into separately by state and local agencies. Rescue efforts were quick and careful after the boat incident in Jacksonville.
In both cases, investigators cautioned that details can evolve as witness accounts and marine data are reviewed.
Collision during Sunday storm on the St. Johns River in Brevard County
A Gheenoe and a jon boat collided during a storm. Four people were thrown into the river. Two were okay, but the other two were badly hurt.
A good Samaritan helped a woman to shore before she was taken to the hospital. Sadly, she was later pronounced dead. The man was found the next day by dive teams. Friends identified the victims as Wyatt Syfrett, 29, and Kaitlynn Stanton, 32.
Capsizing near Jacksonville with eight aboard and multiple fatalities
An 18-foot vessel capsized near Dames Point on March 21. This led to a big response. Four people were found on top of the hull, and up to four were believed trapped below.
One adult was later found unresponsive and pronounced dead on March 23. A child was found on March 24. The U.S. Coast Guard searched over 270 square miles for 17 hours before stopping. The victims were Cristian Marin; children Victoria and Juan Camilo Marin; and his mother, Nubia Romero.
Agencies involved: FWC, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Coast Guard, local fire rescue
Many agencies worked together on both scenes. The FWC led the investigations. Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Marine and Dive Units did the rescues and recoveries.
The U.S. Coast Guard did the wide-area searches. Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department helped with medical aid and river operations. Regional partners added SONAR and aviation assets. Their mission was to search quickly, keep the scene safe, and document the incidents.
Victims identified and remembered by family and friends
In North Florida, people gathered to honor those lost. Tributes flowed from docks to living rooms. Friends and colleagues shared stories that brought faces to the headlines.
These stories echo along the St. Johns River. The pain of the shipwreck in Jacksonville feels deeply personal.
Wyatt Syfrett, 29, and Kaitlynn Stanton, 32: tributes from close friends
Wyatt Syfrett and Kaitlynn Stanton were called “two beautiful souls.” Friends remembered weekends on the water and long drives with music. Syfrett was a godfather to a friend’s daughter, a role he cherished.
Friend Lane Burnett said a blind spot might have prevented the boats from seeing each other. “Three seconds would have changed everything,” he reflected. Meal trains and donation pages help their families, showing community care.
GoFundMe identifications tied to Jacksonville family: Cristian Marin, Victoria and Juan Camilo Marin, and Nubia Romero
In Jacksonville, a GoFundMe identified Cristian Marin, his children Victoria and Juan Camilo Marin, and his mother, Nubia Romero, as victims. Florida Homes Realty & Mortgage offered condolences for Marin, honoring his work and family devotion. A detailed report noted Romero had traveled from Colombia to visit loved ones.
Their names anchor the human story of the jacksonville fl watercraft incident. Friends post photos and memories, turning loss into calls for help and support.
Community vigils and support at local boat ramps and online
At the Lions Club Boat Ramp, mourners formed a circle for prayer. Candles flickered in the breeze as neighbors offered hugs and support. The waterfront vigil mirrored an online network where people give and share help.
Support extends beyond city lines, from meal trains to donations. These gestures ripple through social media and local groups, linking jacksonville boating accident news with the lived reality of shipwreck jacksonville fl grief and resilience.
| Honored Individuals | How Community Is Helping | Gathering Places | Key Themes Remembered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wyatt Syfrett, 29 | Meal trains, memorial posts | Neighborhood meetups, riverfronts | Loyal friend, devoted godfather |
| Kaitlynn Stanton, 32 | Donation pages, shared photos | Homes of friends, online tributes | Joyful spirit, love of the outdoors |
| Cristian Marin | GoFundMe support, workplace condolences | Community forums, faith gatherings | Dedicated father, respected agent |
| Victoria and Juan Camilo Marin | School and neighbor outreach | Parks, classrooms, digital memorials | Promise, kindness, youthful energy |
| Nubia Romero | Family assistance funds | Lions Club Boat Ramp, prayer circles | Matriarchal love, cherished visitor |
Timeline of the Jacksonville maritime incident jacksonville fl
Authorities quickly responded to a maritime accident on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, FL. The timeline below shows the urgent calls, rescues, and search efforts. It provides context without speculation.
Alert received: overturned 18-foot vessel with four on top, four possibly beneath
On March 21, an alert was sent out about an 18-foot vessel that had overturned. It had four people on top and possibly four more beneath the hull. Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office marine units arrived quickly to respond to the boat overturn in Jacksonville, FL.
Rescuers managed to pull the four from the hull. One person was found unresponsive in the water and later died. Divers checked under the hull and found no one trapped.
Rescues and recoveries west of the Dames Point Bridge
By March 23, authorities found the body of an adult during operations west of the Dames Point Bridge. The next day, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office confirmed a third victim, a child, found in the river. This was part of the ongoing effort to deal with the maritime accident in Jacksonville, FL.
Teams worked hard to navigate river currents and heavy barge traffic. They kept search lanes open. Agencies placed boats near key markers to speed up responses during the mission.
Ongoing search efforts for a missing child with SONAR and aviation support
On March 24, helicopters and SONAR crews expanded the search area. The U.S. Coast Guard noted that part of the search was suspended after 17 hours. They covered over 270 square miles, but focused searches continued with FWC and JSO.
As of the latest update, FWC is leading the investigation. Partner agencies are continuing water and air searches. Crews are cycling divers, reviewing SONAR targets, and resetting search boxes due to tide shifts during the response.
| Date | Location Focus | Key Actions | Agencies Active |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 21 | St. Johns River, initial scene | Four rescued from hull; one unresponsive recovery; hull cleared by divers | JSO Marine, U.S. Coast Guard, FWC |
| March 23 | Search corridor expanding | Adult recovered; continued grid searches after capsized boat jacksonville fl report | FWC, JSO, Coast Guard |
| March 24 | West of Dames Point Bridge | Child recovered; SONAR sweeps and helicopter overflights; targeted dives | FWC, JSO Aviation and Dive Units, Coast Guard |
| Ongoing | Tide-affected search boxes | Adjusted patterns, data reviews, and coordinated redeployments for jacksonville fl maritime accident operations | FWC lead with partner agencies |
Brevard County crash overview: two vessels collide on the St. Johns River
A fast-moving storm hit Brevard County on Sunday, making the St. Johns River rough. Two small boats met in bad weather and low visibility. Witnesses said it was a close call that changed the day.
Photo from the river corridor during storm response
Location between SR 528 and SR 520 during storm conditions
The crash happened between State Road 528 and State Road 520. Rain and strong winds made it hard to see. Emergency teams were ready nearby, knowing weekend traffic can make things harder.
Gheenoe and jon boat collision; all four occupants ejected
A Gheenoe and a jon boat crashed, throwing all four into the water. Two people managed to get out and were helped. But one woman was pulled out unconscious and later died.
Hospitalization and subsequent recovery by dive teams
The woman was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The next day, dive teams found the male operator. Friends later identified the victims as Wyatt Syfrett and Kaitlynn Stanton. The incident is being reviewed for safety issues.
For a detailed report on the crash, see this confirmed incident report. It mentions two deaths on October 27, 2025, and is updated by the FWC.
Conditions and contributing factors under investigation
Teams are looking into how the environment, equipment, and choices of operators came together in recent incidents. They are focusing on the storm over the St. Johns River. They also look at witness reports and first responder accounts in jacksonville boating accident news.
Visibility, blind spots, speed, and weather at time of impact
They are checking how clear the view was, the effect of spray and rain, and the impact of wind. A friend of someone involved in a Brevard crash said a small mistake could have made a big difference. This shows how important speed and how close you are to others are when it’s dark and windy.
They are also looking at wind changes, traffic in the channel, and how blind spots affected lookout duties. This is all under the conditions of a squall tied to the maritime incident jacksonville fl.
Lack of life jackets reported among eight aboard in Jacksonville case
It was found that none of the eight people had life jackets on when the boat capsized in Jacksonville. Investigators are checking if life jackets were available and if they were being used. This is a key part of the jacksonville boating accident news as families want to know what could have saved lives in the rough water.
Compliance with navigation rules and equipment status
FWC checks if boats followed the rules, made the right decisions, and followed Florida Statute §327.30. They look at navigation lights, signals, and mechanical systems. This is to see if not paying attention, going too fast, or not knowing how to operate the boat was a factor.
With Florida having the most boating accidents in 2024, the maritime incident in Jacksonville is being closely studied. They are checking lighting, horn function, steering, and throttle controls. This is to see if the boat was following the rules before the final findings are made.
Agency responses and ongoing search operations
After the jacksonville fl maritime accident, many agencies quickly came together. They worked together on the water and in the air. They set up clear roles, shared maps, and kept radios open to track the current near the Dames Point Bridge.
Each update was aimed at calming the city and guiding resources where they were needed most.
Coordination between JSO Marine/Dive Units, FWC, Coast Guard, and regional partners
JSO Marine and Dive Units focused on the channel. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission led the investigation. The U.S. Coast Guard watched the skies and seas, sharing any sightings with boats below.
Teams from Jacksonville Fire Rescue, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office joined in. They added more boats, medics, and teams along the shore.
This teamwork tackled the boat accident in Jacksonville and other dangers from the watercraft incident. They held briefings before each search and then came together again to plan their next steps.
Search coverage areas, SONAR scanning, and helicopter support
The search focused west of the Dames Point Bridge, where the water was tricky to see. Boats used high-resolution SONAR to scan the bottom for small objects. Helicopters flew parallel paths, using daylight to spot debris and signs of trouble.
The Coast Guard searched over 270 square miles for 17 hours before narrowing their focus. Dive teams from FWC returned on March 25 to use SONAR and make controlled drops. These steps were based on lessons from past maritime accidents in Jacksonville.
Status updates and recovery milestones shared with the public
Agencies gave updates to let everyone know what was happening. They announced a recovery on March 23 and another on March 24. They also talked about the ongoing search for a missing child.
They emphasized the care for families and the steady work on the boat accident in Jacksonville. Briefings explained how teams rotated and why some channels were closed. Each update showed the shared mission across the city and county lines.
| Agency/Unit | Primary Role | Key Actions | Coverage/Focus | Noted Milestones |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FWC | Lead investigation and dive coordination | Directed SONAR lanes; staged dive relays | West of Dames Point Bridge | Dive ops resumed March 25 |
| JSO Marine/Dive Units | On-water search and recoveries | Grid sweeps; bottom scans; shoreline checks | Main channel and adjacent flats | Recoveries reported March 23–24 |
| U.S. Coast Guard | Air/sea search and sector command support | Helicopter patterns; patrol boat vectors | 270+ square miles, then narrowed | 17-hour search before partial suspension |
| Jacksonville Fire Rescue Dept. | Medical support and marine assist | Rapid response boats; triage readiness | Launch sites and impacted reaches | Integrated with JSO on-scene |
| Clay County Sheriff’s Office | Regional waterway support | Supplemental boats; perimeter holds | Upstream approach corridors | Maintained outer grids |
| St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office | Shoreline and inlet coordination | Spotter teams; channel control | Southern river segments | Linked river-to-shore reporting |
Community response: memorials, donation efforts, and support networks
In Northeast and Central Florida, people came together after the jacksonville boat incident and the Brevard County crash. They quickly organized meals, prayer circles, and messages of support. Many remembered the young lives lost, reflecting on the tragedy.
Meal trains and donation pages for the Syfrett and Stanton families
Friends set up meal trains and donation pages for Wyatt Syfrett, 29, and Kaitlynn Stanton, 32, after the Brevard collision. Coworkers helped with groceries, child care, and travel. They also shared messages of unity, referencing the jacksonville boat incident.
Local restaurants in Brevard County offered gift cards. Neighbors provided coolers and ice. Organizers kept updates simple, ensuring support reached families quickly.
Fundraisers and condolence messages for the Marin and Romero families
In Jacksonville, GoFundMe campaigns were set up for Cristian Marin and his family. Supporters praised Marin’s work and sent prayers to his loved ones. They mentioned the boat capsized jacksonville fl, highlighting the need for quick help.
People shared photos and memories online. Community leaders encouraged ongoing support, noting the impact of the shipwreck jacksonville fl.
Local gatherings honoring victims along the St. Johns River
At the Lions Club Boat Ramp, a sunset prayer circle was held. People brought flowers, life jacket ribbons, and cards. The vigil connected Brevard and Jacksonville through care and remembrance.
Attendees promised to continue helping with meals, rides, and quiet visits. Their voices carried over the water, symbolizing the community’s strength and support.
Safety takeaways from recent jacksonville boating accident news
Recent events on the St. Johns River have brought attention to simple steps that save lives. Crews faced chaotic water, fast weather changes, and busy channels. These are common in boating accidents in Jacksonville, FL.
Importance of PFDs, proper lookout, and speed management
Personal flotation devices only work when worn. In a boat overturn in Jacksonville, FL, sudden immersion and currents can overwhelm even strong swimmers quickly. Everyone on board should have a U.S. Coast Guard–approved PFD that fits their size and activity.
Florida’s navigation rules require a proper lookout by sight and sound. This means scanning for traffic, floating debris, and wake. Speed should match the scene—tight bends, glare, or rain call for slower runs. These habits help prevent accidents in Jacksonville, FL, where seconds matter.
Storm preparedness and route planning on inland waterways
Storms can form quickly over the St. Johns. Check multiple forecasts, set a departure window, and plot bailout points. Assign roles: helm, lookout, and radio. Keep a charged VHF, navigation lights, and a spare bilge pump ready for sudden squalls.
Share a float plan with a trusted contact. Use live weather apps and NOAA radio to track cells. If thunder builds, favor leeward banks, reduce speed, and secure loose gear. Clear plans reduce confusion during any boating accident in Jacksonville, FL.
Education for new operators and family groups on the water
FWC-approved courses teach rules of the road, risk assessment, and collision avoidance. New skippers learn right-of-way, channel markers, and safe passing. Training curbs inattention and speed that often lead to accidents in Jacksonville, FL.
Families should size PFDs for kids, set seating to balance weight, and practice man-overboard drills at idle. Agree on hand signals and a calm voice protocol. When everyone knows the plan, the day stays safer—even if weather shifts or traffic grows heavy.
Legal context after a florida boat accident or jacksonville fl maritime accident
After a boat crash on the St. Johns River, families seek clear steps. They follow jacksonville boating accident news closely. Florida law outlines duties for boat operators. Agencies document incidents to assess responsibility in any jacksonville boat incident or broader florida boat accident.
FWC investigative process and possible civil liability
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission leads boating crash inquiries. They work with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Coast Guard. Investigators check speed, visibility, right-of-way, impairment, and equipment status.
Florida Statute §327.30 requires operators to keep a lookout and travel at a safe speed. Breaching these duties can lead to civil liability in a jacksonville boat incident reported through jacksonville boating accident news.
Florida Wrongful Death Act and recoverable damages
When negligence causes a death on the water, the Florida Wrongful Death Act applies. Survivors can seek compensation. Claims include funeral and burial costs, medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and lost financial support.
These remedies apply to both inland and coastal cases, based on the facts and responsible parties.
Preserving evidence: reports, witness statements, and vessel inspections
Quick documentation is key to understanding what happened. Families and lawyers often get FWC incident reports, JSO and Coast Guard records, and witness statements soon after.
Technical evidence is also important. SONAR captures, dive team logs, and vessel inspections show impact points, equipment performance, and rule compliance. This supports a detailed record in any jacksonville boating accident news timeline.
Conclusion
Grief and determination now flow together across the St. Johns River. An 18-foot boat capsized near the Dames Point Bridge, prompting a huge response. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife, and U.S. Coast Guard joined forces.
They used SONAR and helicopters to find and save those in danger. They are also searching for a missing child. Sadly, none of the eight people on board were wearing life jackets.
In Brevard County, a storm caused a boat crash, killing two people. Their loved ones shared stories of their bravery and service. These incidents highlight the importance of safety on the water.
They show how quickly things can go wrong and the need for preparation. It’s critical to be ready for weather, keep a lookout, and control your speed.
Families in Jacksonville and Brevard County are on a long journey. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is leading the investigations. Florida law provides a way to find answers and seek justice.
Community events and tributes are helping people cope. They are also calling for safer habits on the river. It’s a time for action and change.
The message is clear: always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Slow down when it’s hard to see. And plan your route with storms in mind.
The lessons from these incidents aim for one goal: to keep everyone safe. They want the St. Johns River to be a place of memory, not loss.
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