ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – A 25-year-old missing boater was rescued Saturday morning 12 miles off the St. Augustine coast, the United States Coast Guard said.
The coast guard said it started searching for Charles Gregory late Thursday evening. He was last seen departing the Lighthouse Park boat ramp on a 12-foot Jon boat.
“Because of the thoroughness of our searches up to this point, we had high confidence if he was out there, we would’ve found him,” Officer Baron said.
Gregory’s boat was submerged in water but still floating on the surface when he was found. His parents said he was strung by jellyfish and encountered several sharks while at sea.
He was brought back to shore at the Vilano Beach Pier and is now home with his mom, who was relieved when she heard the good news. She said her son has been out on the water his entire life and goes fishing three to four times a week.
His parents said Sunday that their son was severely sunburned and dehydrated after being out in the water for more than 24 hours.
Gregory told his mother what kept him going as crews were looking for him was the idea of returning home to his parents.
Ben Lynn captured drone footage of dozens of rescue boats speeding on the water to locate Gregory.
“Immediately the first thing I saw when I came out here was boats heading out to the north, which is very strange because usually you might see one or two fishing boats, but it was a lot. It looked like 20, maybe almost 30 boats out there,” Lynn said.
Crews said he had a buoyant cushion but no lifejacket and suspect he headed north when the inlet swept him out. He also had his cell phone with him, but it didn’t pick up his location.
Barron said Gregory seems to be in good spirits despite being “tired and dehydrated.”
Lynn also said it’s a relief to hear that he is safe.
“You always assume the worst-case scenario because there were a lot of boats out there for a long time. It’s nice to hear that he is okay and that he was reunited with his family which was really good,” Lynn said.
Neighbors said they are close with the Gregory family and happy that he returned home safely. A neighbor shared this word of advice, “Don’t ever give up hope. Keep praying.”
The coast guard recommends all boaters have the necessary safety devices such as a life jacket or a visual distress signal before heading out on the water. Also, always notify someone of your plans just in case of an emergency.