WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
Updated: 5:58 p.m. Friday, April 1:
A search and rescue operation in the St. Johns River is underway for a missing person, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Friday.
The office confirmed the missing boater is Deputy Brandee Smith of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office received a 911 call at 4:42 a.m. Friday reporting a boating accident involving two people on the St. Johns River near the town of Welaka.
She was off duty and with her boyfriend on the water early this morning when their boat hit a reflective marker. Deputies responding to the call determined the 14-inch skiff boat the pair was traveling in struck a channel marker in the river, ejecting Smith from the boat.
FL Fish and Wildlife Commission Info. Officer says the support to find the missing deputy is overwhelming. @WUFTNews pic.twitter.com/lKzrhpZU5y
— EvynMoon (@EvynMoon) April 1, 2016
Investigators say the deputy and her boyfriend were on the water at 4:45am when they struck a reflective marker and went overboard.@WUFTNews
— EvynMoon (@EvynMoon) April 1, 2016
The sheriff’s office is currently conducting the search in coordination with the Putnam County Fire Department Marine and Florida Fish and Wildlife Marine units.
The U.S. Coast Guard along Fish and Wildlife has sent helicopters to search the area.
Search and rescue teams are still looking for the person thrown from a boat crash this morning on St. Johns River. pic.twitter.com/SwZ2GwWBIQ
— EvynMoon (@EvynMoon) April 1, 2016
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
