U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations Agents from the Jacksonville Marine Unit and interagency partners rescued two boaters after their vessel caught fire near the St. Augustine Inlet on Thursday afternoon.
The Jackonville-based Air and Marine Operations marine crew rescued the boaters from the smoky vessel as the first responders on scene and transported the individuals to the St. Augustine Municipal Marina where emergency personnel administered first aid.
St. Johns County Fire Rescue, St. Augustine Police Department Marine Unit and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission arrived on scene to assist the boaters and extinguish the fire.
“Highly experienced CBP Air and Marine Operations Agents in Jacksonville frequently respond to boaters in distress in this area and bring them to safety as part of our efforts to serve and protect the American people,” said Allen Gustafson, Director of Marine Operations for CBP’s Jacksonville Air and Marine Branch.
“An ever-growing cadre of local, state and interagency partners allow us to provide humanitarian aid and critical capabilities to people who find themselves in need of rescue or medical assistance.”
The vessel was safely towed to the St. Augustine City Marina and the incident is under investigation.
CBP Air and Marine Operations maintains an active and fully engaged cadre of coastal patrol vessels and aircraft aggressively patrolling along Florida’s coast to detect, apprehend and deter smugglers of humans, drugs and other contraband.
(See how U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations secures the maritime border. Courtesy of CBP, USA Patriotism! and YouTube)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection operations in Florida includes travel and trade facilitation and securing over 1,200 miles of the coastal border.
CBP Air and Marine Operations is a federal law enforcement organization dedicated to serving and protecting the American people through advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities.
