Two Florida Teens Rescued After 16 Hours Adrift in the Gulf

Two teenage girls from Florida, who went missing after a paddleboarding excursion near Cedar Key, were rescued after being adrift in the Gulf of Mexico for over 16 hours. The incident began when the girls, aged 16 and 17, embarked on a paddleboarding trip but failed to return as expected, prompting a search by local authorities and volunteers.

The search operation, involving the Coast Guard and numerous volunteers, was launched after the girls were reported missing. After an intense overnight search, the teenagers were found safe, though tired and dehydrated, approximately 16 miles offshore. They were subsequently taken to a local hospital for evaluation and are reported to be in stable condition.

This rescue underscores the importance of safety measures when engaging in water sports, particularly in unpredictable marine environments. The community and the girls' families have expressed immense gratitude towards the search teams for their relentless efforts in bringing the teens to safety.

• Cedar Key
• Coast Guard
• Florida