Fernandina Beach Police Department issues press release on drowning victim

Press Release

June 1, 2015 3:15 p.m.

The Fernandina Beach Police Department, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office (Marine Unit) and Fernandina Beach Ocean Rescue Lifeguards continued to search throughout the weekend for Steve Shaw of Valdosta, GA. The continued search has been suspended.

Steve T. Shaw

Steve T. Shaw was visiting Fernandina Beach with family and friends. They arrived at Beach Access #13 just forty-five minutes before the incident took place. Mr. Shaw’s niece and nephew were walking in knee deep water with two other friends when they all were knocked from their feet by a large wave. Two of the four were able to get to safety while Mr. Shaw’s niece and nephew remained in the water calling for help.

Mr. Shaw entered the water after seeing that his family members were being swept out from the shore and needed help. He was seen going into the water by his family and other witnesses on the beach. He was overwhelmed by the surf and was seen going underneath the water and did not resurface.

Fernandina Beach Ocean Rescue lifeguards from Main Beach & Sadler Road responded to the area. Two lifeguards entered the water and saved the two family members of Mr. Shaw. They were taken to the Nassau-Baptist Emergency Room and later released without any injuries.

We will continue to the search the waterfront in hopes that Mr. Shaw’s body will be recovered.

Steve Shaw was identified as the victim of a drowning that occurred in the waters off of Fernandina's South Fletcher Avenue.  Captain David Bishop released the name and photo of Shaw just before noon today.

Editor's Note:  Deputy Fire Chief Murallo provided Captain David Bishop with names of Ocean Rescue personnel involved in the incident.  According to Murallo, "Ryan Savage was the first on scene . . . . and Nathan Cutajar assisted Ryan with the rescue."