Missing 16-year-old swimming in St. Johns River found safe, reunited with family: VSO

DEBARY, Fla. - A 16-year-old girl who disappeared while swimming with friends late Saturday night in the St. Johns River was found safe hours later – and has been reunited with her family, according to authorities.

Laura Williams, a spokesperson for VSO, told FOX 35 in an email that first responders located the girl in the river around 3 a.m. after hearing her yells for help. Other than a few scratches, the girl was relatively unharmed, VSO said. 

Deputies responded to the St. Johns River shortly before 9 p.m. after the girl was reported missing. The main focus of the search was near mile marker 35, between the Riviera Bella boat ramp and the Highbanks boat ramp, VSO said.

According to VSO, a group of teenagers – all apparently 16 and 17 – were hanging out by the river near a rope swing and allegedly drinking before two of them decided to swim across the river. While swimming back, the girl's friend lost sight of her and was unable to find her.

Several agencies responded to help with the search, including Florida Fish and Wildlife, Orange City Fire Department, and the Seminole County Sheriff's Office.

FOX 35 cameras captured first responders searching the river on boats, drone, helicopter, and sonar.

About six hours after their search, the girl was heard calling for help. She was found about 50 yards away, VSO said. A rescue boat picked her up and brought her back.

Deputies said she had superficial scratches, but nothing more serious. She was cleared at the scene and released back to her family.