In an emotional interview with the TV station WJXT, Chase detailed the horrifying event, stating, “The current was so intense that my sister… and she let go of her hold. I let go of the boat, grabbed her, and ended up stranded.Despite not having a life jacket on himself, Chase bravely launched the boat and tried to save his sister. Steven dove into the water to try to save Abigail, but she merely drifted farther out. Steven recalled, “I told them I loved him because I wasn’t sure what was going to happen.” I tried to stay with both of them. I was worn out. She began to turn away from me.

For an hour, Chase swam against the stream with courage and determination, alternating between canine-style paddling and floating on his back to conserve energy. When he finally reached dry land, he ran to get help.

“I screamed for help at the top of my lungs, and sure enough, someone heard us,” exclaimed Steven. Little Man, who also made it to the coast and got help, saved our lives.

An hour later, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Sheriff’s Office were able to save Steven and Abigail. They had drifted a mile from their boat, but they were safe.

During a press conference, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department spokesman Eric Prosswimmer expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “We’re happy to say all three have been recovered and are doing well.” Every resource that could have been available to us was arriving rapidly. It could not have gone any better than it did.