CEDAR KEY, FL – A harrowing ordeal unfolded off the coast of Levy County as two 16-year-old girls, reported missing during a paddleboarding excursion, were found and rescued after a night adrift on the Gulf of Mexico. The dramatic rescue occurred early this morning near Porpoise Point, approximately 14 miles from their starting point.
The teens, whose names have not been released, spent over 16 hours at sea, battling cold, exhaustion, and injuries. They clung to a single paddleboard throughout the night, enduring the elements with remarkable resilience. Will Poling and his friends, who were part of the volunteer search effort, discovered the girls on a bed of sharp oysters, describing the experience as akin to “walking on razor blades.”
Despite their ordeal, the girls are reportedly recovering well. “They were cold, cut, and dehydrated,” Poling said, highlighting the harsh conditions they endured. The rescue operation involved the Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife, Levy County Sheriff’s deputies, and numerous volunteers who scoured the waters tirelessly.
The search efforts included helicopters equipped with spotlights, which narrowly missed spotting the girls on several occasions. The girls’ survival is attributed to both their determination and the swift action of the volunteers who refused to give up hope.
Levy County Sheriff’s Office commended the girls’ resilience and the community’s response. “They weathered the storm on probably the most ill-equipped watercraft out there last night,” a sheriff’s representative noted, praising their strength and the dedication of those involved in the rescue.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sea and the importance of safety measures. Authorities urge anyone venturing out on the water to carry a cell phone and inform others of their plans to ensure their safety.
As the girls recover, the community reflects on the successful outcome of a potentially tragic situation, grateful for the collective efforts that brought the teens home safely.