[chris]

On August 5, 2023, the U.S. Coast Guard successfully rescued a man, identified as 25-year-old Charles Gregory, from a partially submerged jon boat 12 miles offshore of St. Augustine, Florida.

Gregory had been missing for over 24 hours after he was last seen departing in his 12-foot boat on Thursday night. The Coast Guard initiated a search operation after receiving a report from Gregory's family on Friday evening, stating that he hadn't returned to Lighthouse Park Boat Ramp in St. Augustine. After an extensive search, an aircrew spotted Gregory on Saturday morning, sitting in his partially submerged boat.

The rescue operation took place shortly before 10:40 a.m. Once ashore, Gregory was handed over to EMS at Vilano Beach Fishing Pier. Fortunately, no medical concerns were reported. The Coast Guard emphasized the importance of having safety gear onboard and being prepared for emergencies.