A crew from Coast Guard Station Mayport near Jacksonville, Fla., rescued five boaters Sunday after their 24-foot vessel capsized.

The boat was about 11 miles east of the Mayport Jetties in the Atlantic, the station said in a news release.

Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville command center watchstanders received a 911 relay from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at 10:15 a.m.  Watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard Station Mayport boat crew and a Coast Guard Air Station Savannah helicopter crew to assist.

The boat crew arrived on scene, observed five people wearing life jackets on top of an overturned vessel and brought all five aboard the response boat. 

“While on the water, situations can become unpredictable and dangerous in an instant, so it’s crucial to be prepared,” said Cmdr. Nick Barrow, Sector Jacksonville search and rescue mission coordinator. “Having life jackets for everyone aboard your vessel can help save lives by providing essential buoyancy and increasing visibility in the water. We appreciate the swift emergency communications relay with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office enabling a rapid response to the scene.” 

The passengers were were safely recovered and transferred to the Mayport Boat Ramp, where family members were waiting.