NCSO Marine Unit Rescues Distressed Boater
Yulee, Fla. – On Friday, December 4, 2015, at approximately 10:30 pm, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office received a boater in distress call from the U.S. Coast Guard. The vessel, a 44’ Catamaran sailboat, was in distress and sinking after the captain attempted to escape rough seas while traversing the Cumberland Sound.
During the approximately 5’-7’ seas and 20-25 knot winds the mast on the boat broke, causing the vessel to lose course. The vessel ran across the St. Marys River entrance and struck the rocks on the north Jetty on the Georgia side of the river damaging the boat causing it to take on water.
Nassau County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit Deputy Ken Clements and Sergeant Scott Gearis responded to the vessel in their patrol boat and rescued Andrew Solywoda, 66, from Pasadena, Maryland. Mr. Solywoda received minor injuries during the incident and was transported to Baptist Nassau Hospital for treatment.