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Search For Putnam County Deputy Sheriff In St. Johns River

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.

https://twitter.com/EvynMoon/status/715966593973555200

 

https://twitter.com/EvynMoon/status/715953396075913218

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.

https://twitter.com/EvynMoon/status/715949092455759872

This is a developing story. Check back for updates. 

Graham is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.