Video: Missing jet skier found clinging to rocks in South Florida

Coast Guard rescues missing jet skier

A man who vanished after falling from a jet ski in rough South Florida waters was rescued after being spotted clinging to a rock.

ST. LUCIE, Fla. - A Lake Placid man is recovering after being tossed from his jet ski in South Florida over the weekend.

Deputies say Joseph Baricklow, 53, was reported missing when witnesses found his abandoned jet ski in the water near the St. Lucie Inlet.

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Deputies with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office said they deployed all resources including a helicopter and a boat to find Baricklow, who was found clinging to the rocks off the north jetty of the St. Lucie Inlet.

The missing jet skier was found clinging to a rock near the St. Lucie inlet. Image is courtesy of the Martin County Sheriff's Office.

Because the waters were rough, the United States Coast Guard flew in and maneuvered over the rocks to rescue Baricklow.

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He was safely hoisted into the Coast Guard chopper, brought to shore, and taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

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Courtesy: Martin County Sheriff's Office

In a post on social media, the sheriff’s office stated, "This is truly an example of incredible lifesaving teamwork by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office and our federal partners at the United States Coast Guard."

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