Survivor clings to capsized boat off Fla. coast ; 3 others die

Man found walking on beach near Stuart

STUART, Fla. – A sheriff says the only person who survived after a boat capsized in Florida clung to the vessel overnight.

Martin County Sheriff William Snyder says 45-year-old Robert Stewart was taken to a hospital Monday after he was found walking on a beach. He is listed in critical condition, but sheriff's office video shows him walking off a rescue helicopter.

The bodies of two adults and a child were recovered Monday.  Officials identified them as 51-year-old Palm Beach County Deputy Sheriff Fernandas Jones, his 9-year-old son Jayden Jones and Willis Bell. Bell's age wasn't immediately available.

The group's 24-foot Sea Ray boat capsized shortly after leaving Stuart about 8 a.m. Sunday. There was a small-craft advisory with winds above 20 mph causing choppy seas.

Stuart is on the Atlantic Coast, about 80 miles north of Fort Lauderdale.


Recommended Videos