2 missing boaters found off Florida coast: 'Mother Nature was in our favor'
Missing Florida boater returns safely after more than a day at sea
Two boaters reported missing off Florida’s east coast returned safely to shore Tuesday after spending more than a day stranded at sea when their vessel lost power, authorities said.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. - Two missing fishermen were stranded in the middle of the ocean for roughly 24 hours off the coast of Florida after their boat suffered electrical issues, FOX 35 has learned.
On Tuesday, the missing boaters were found roughly 25 miles off the coast of Ormond Beach and slowly towed to shore, according to New Smyrna Beach Police and FWC.
Two boaters reported missing were found safe and in good health off the coast of Ormond Beach, Florida, officials said. Credit: New Smyrna Beach Police Department
Missing boaters found
The backstory:
The boaters were last heard from around 6 a.m. on Monday, June 8, while reportedly departing from Lake Helen. The two boaters planned to fish roughly 30 miles offshore. Their boat and trailer were found at the Swoop Boat Ramp in New Smyrna Beach, police said.
Danny Gibson said they started some electrical issues out while at sea and completely lost power. While they had some supplies, they were in an area without cell phone service, so they couldn't call for help.
What they did have was Mother Nature, which brought them towards shore, and not away and out farther to sea.
As soon as they docked, Patrick Watson had one thing on his mind: home.
"I want to go home," he said. "I want to take a shower."
Gibson thanked all of the first responders who helped with their search and rescue. He said next time, the duo will leave a more detailed float plan with their families.
The Source: New Smyrna Beach Police posted about the missing boaters on its official Facebook page.