VILANO BEACH, Fla. – Five people were hospitalized with minor injuries after a dock collapsed at a Porpoise Point Drive residence Thursday evening, prompting safety officials to emphasize the importance of proper boat lift maintenance and operation.
The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. when it appears a boat lift attached to the dock failed while people were still aboard the vessel, according to St. Johns County Fire Rescue.
“We had to throw some ground ladders into the boat to get down to the level of the boat that was in the water,” said Chris Naff, Public Information Officer for St. Johns County Fire Rescue. “I think it could have been much worse.”
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, rescuing five individuals, including one person who had been thrown into the water.
Officials believe the incident may have resulted from a malfunction with the boat lift mechanism, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS
Fire rescue officials and marine safety experts emphasize several critical safety measures for boat lift operation:
• Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for weight limits and maintenance schedules
• Keep hands and limbs away from pulleys and gear mechanisms
• Maintain proper lift maintenance and regular inspections
• Ensure proper lighting when operating lifts after dark
• Have a spotter monitor the lifting or lowering process
“With boat lifts, following the manufacturer’s recommendations is obviously what we always recommend,” Naff said. He stressed the importance of proper maintenance and keeping clear of mechanical components during operation.
NIGHTTIME BOATING SAFETY
With earlier sunsets during winter months, Naff also emphasized additional precautions for nighttime boating:
“The big thing is making sure your navigation lights work on your boat,” he said. “It’s always good to have a spotlight and also know the area that you’re going towards or wherever your destination is.”
BEST PRACTICES
Marine safety experts note that vessels should be empty when using boat lifts. According to Naff, dock and lift collapses are relatively rare, typically occurring only a few times annually in St. Johns County.
Boat owners are advised to:
• Check the manufacturer’s owner’s manual for specific safety guidelines
• Verify weight capacity limits for both dock and lift equipment
• Conduct regular inspections of cables, pulleys and support structures
• Ensure proper lighting for nighttime operations
• Keep lift mechanisms properly maintained and lubricated
The incident serves as a reminder for boat owners to regularly inspect their docks and lift equipment, particularly during the busy holiday boating season.