The tragedy on St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida, has deepened as the search for the remaining missing persons continues following a boating accident. According to ABC News , one individual has been confirmed dead, and three were missing after an 18-foot vessel capsized last Friday night. The U.S. Coast Guard undertook an extensive search operation that spanned over 17 hours and more than 270 square miles but has since suspended their efforts.

Lt. Cmdr. Barton Nanney expressed the difficulty of the decision to ABC News : "Suspending search efforts is an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking decision, made only after an exhaustive and thorough search." In a heartrending situation compounded by the fact that none of the individuals aboard were wearing lifejackets, agencies remain steadfast in their efforts. The Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department was initially called to the scene, where first responders found four people in the water.

Further insight has been provided by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office in a social media update, indicating that since the time of the accident, one additional person has been located deceased, while two others are still missing as of last night. With continuous search operations utilizing SONAR technology and air support, the hopes of locating the missing boaters remain alive.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is leading the ongoing investigation and is expected to release more details as soon as possible.