Cooler saves capsized Florida boaters

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Three Jacksonville residents whose boat capsized off Mayport - leaving them to cling to a cooler for three days - have been rescued.

Authorities say 32-year-old John Nevarez, 31-year-old Elias Nevarez and 28-year-old Rebecca Sullivan were found Tuesday. They suffered severe sunburn, jellyfish stings and fatigue. They were taken to a hospital for evaluations, but their conditions were not released.

The three took off on Sunday morning for a deep sea fishing trip. They were found by a private boat three days later clinging to a large cooler - all that was left of "Problem Child" boat which overturned when hit by two sudden waves and then sank.

The Coast Guard says the boaters possibly ran into stormy weather.

Information from: The Florida Times-Union

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