JULINGTON CREEK RIVER – The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office has released footage captured by its Air Unit revealing the moments fire crews were able to extinguish flames consuming a sailboat Sunday afternoon on the Julington Creek River.
On Sunday, the SJSO Air Unit captured aerial footage of a sailboat fully engulfed in flames on the Julington Creek River. Thanks to a Good Samaritan, all five occupants were safely rescued from the water.
— St. Johns County Sheriff's Office (@TeamSJSO) July 14, 2025
SJSO, @SJCFireRescue, Jacksonville Fire Rescue Division, @MyFWC, and Clay… pic.twitter.com/1SXSkxbKp4
According to the county’s fire rescue team, the boat caught fire around 12:15 p.m. and was occupied by five people.
When crews arrived at the boat, they said they could immediately see the vessel fully engulfed in flames.
According to SJCFR, all individuals were wearing lifejackets when the fire erupted and were taken to shore by a good Samaritan.
Members of the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department were the ones to put the fire out, SJSO said.
No one was injured in the incident.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation.
