MIAMI - Three fisherman are safe and one is hospitalized after a late night rescue in Port Everglades, Florida, Friday.
The four men were aboard the 63-foot fishing vessel Joyce Lynn II, when it collided with the north jetty in Port Everglades and began taking on water. Coast Guard Sector Miami watchstanders were notified of the incident at 11:16 p.m., Friday and immediately diverted a smallboat rescue crew from Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale which arrived within five minutes.
Upon arrival, rescuers had to work quickly to remove three of the fishermen from the damaged vessel as it was breaking apart. One by one the crew of the Joyce Lynn II, jumped from the fishing vessel to the Coast Guard smallboat. During the dynamic evolution, one fisherman suffered serious injuries. The unidentified crewmember was taken to local hospital where he is reported to be in stable condition. A fourth crewmember was able to swim safely to shore.
“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the injured fisherman and his family and friends this morning, and we are hoping he can make a full recovery”, said Capt. Michael Long, acting sector commander. “This was a very dangerous and dynamic situation and it really highlights just how dangerous rescues at night can be. These crews were working against the clock, in the dark, to get these men safely aboard the Coast Guard small boat, and unfortunately, one person was seriously injured.”
Coast Guard crews will be back at scene to determine if there is any pollution concerns and to coordinate removal of the grounded fishing vessel.
Per policy, the Coast Guard is investigating the incident.