Charles Gregory’s early morning fishing trip off the coast of St. Augustine, Florida turned into a near-death experience when their boat unexpectedly capsized. The 25-year-old struggled to stay afloat for almost two days, enduring intense sun, jellyfish stings and shark sightings as he clung to the partially submerged boat.
The incident began at 4 a.m. when Charles went out on his usual fishing trip in a 12-foot dinghy. A sudden wave threw him overboard and swept him out to sea. For nearly two days, he struggled to survive the harsh elements, desperately trying to keep the ship afloat and signaling nearby ships and planes for help.
The dramatic rescue unfolded when a crew spotted Charles about 12 miles offshore, leading to his safe recovery in the Atlantic Ocean. Footage released by the Coastguard captured the intense moments of their rescue, with the boat nearly submerged and Charles struggling to endure the cold nights and painful sunburn.
After his rescue, Charles was met by emergency services at the Vilano Beach fishing pier. He was exhausted, dehydrated and suffering from rhabdomyolysis due to muscle breakdown, aggravated by dehydration.
Despite severe sunburn, bruises and bites, Charles is expected to make a full recovery. His father expressed gratitude to the search teams and the community for their support during the ordeal.
The incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of boating safety and preparedness. Jacksonville Coast Guard Sector Commander Nick Barrow emphasized having safety equipment on board, including life jackets, VHF marine-grade radios, signaling devices and emergency personal locator beacons.
As Charles Gregory reunites with his family, his story of survival underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of being equipped and prepared for any emergency on the water.
This article is sourced from and written by AI.
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