BOATING ACCIDENT CLAIMS LIFE OF CALLAHAN MAN

March 14, 2005
Contact: Karen Parker (386) 758-0525

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is investigating a boating accident that occurred Sunday on the St. Johns River, claiming the life of a Callahan resident.

Steven Morris, 53, was pronounced dead at the Baptist Medical Center, Beaches Branch, after being pulled from the water Sunday morning.

The operator, James Ryals, 40, and another occupant, Michael Burns, 40, both from Callahan, were not injured.

The three were fishing in their vessel, a 1972 18’ Mako, which was anchored adjacent to the south jetty of the St. Johns River. A wave came over the transom. A second wave swamped the vessel and it sank, according to FWC investigators.

Burns swam to the jetty rocks and was rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. Ryals grabbed a seat cushion and was rescued by another fisherman. Morris floated away from the vessel toward the ocean. He was pulled from the water and transported to the medical center.

The investigation is continuing, according to the FWC.

Click Here To Return To The Previous Page