In a harrowing tale of survival, 16-year-old Floridians Eva Aponte and Avery Bryan were found alive this week after enduring over 16 hours adrift in the cold, choppy waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Clad only in shorts and sweatshirts, and lacking life jackets, the teens were swept out to sea by powerful winds and currents while on an inflatable paddle board.
Their nightmare turned into a remarkable rescue thanks to the persistence of three local fishermen who discovered them at dawn the next day in a remote area.
A Routine Outing Turns Perilous
On the afternoon of Monday, March 17, Eva and Avery set off on what was supposed to be a short return trip from Atsena Otie Key, a small, uninhabited island popular among Cedar Key visitors. However, their journey quickly spiraled into a terrifying ordeal as unexpected strong winds blew them off course.
“The inflatable paddle board acted more like a balloon,” explained Captain Gary Bartell Jr. from Crystal River, describing how the board caught the wind like a sail, drifting the girls out into the open sea, across Waccasassa Bay, and near Mangrove Point.
The Longest Night: Battling Cold and Failed Searches
The situation became dire as night fell. Without adequate clothing or safety gear, Eva and Avery faced plummeting temperatures that reached as low as 40°F (4°C), enduring the elements for hours. On land, a massive rescue operation was initiated by the United States Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Levy County Sheriff’s Office.
Volunteers and numerous civilian boats joined the search, which stretched throughout the night without success, causing dwindling hope as time passed.
Three Fishermen Refuse to Give Up
As the Tuesday morning light began to break, local fishermen Will Pauling, Alex Jefferies, and Russell Coon decided to forgo their fishing plans to continue the search efforts. “We wanted to get out there as soon as possible, and it paid off,” Pauling shared with local media.
By 8:30 a.m., they set sail and within half an hour spotted the teenagers on an oyster bed, more than 15 miles (24 km) from their original location. Images of the rescue, which quickly went viral on social media, showed the exhausted girls being carried on the fishermen's shoulders, unable to stand due to fatigue and hypothermia.
“You’ll laugh about this one day, but not today,” Jefferies reassured them as they made their way back to shore.
Safe Return and a Cautionary Tale
Captain Bartell, still involved in the search, met the rescuers and, along with his 8-year-old son Brody, helped transport the teenagers in an airboat to Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park. During the ride, they provided the girls with jackets and snacks to help stabilize their body temperature.
Despite suffering cuts on their hands and feet from the sharp oyster shells where they took refuge, the teens were found conscious and in good spirits. They were later taken to a medical facility for evaluation, where they were confirmed to be out of danger.
While paddle boarding is a common activity in the area, especially with favorable tides and gentle winds, local authorities emphasize the importance of adhering to safety protocols, including wearing life jackets and dressing appropriately.
FAQs on Paddle Boarding Safety and Rescue Operations
What safety measures should be taken when paddle boarding?
It is crucial to wear a life jacket, dress appropriately for the weather, check weather conditions before heading out, and ensure you have a means of communication in case of emergencies.
How can unexpected weather changes impact paddle boarding?
Sudden changes in weather, such as strong winds, can significantly affect the stability and direction of a paddle board, potentially leading to dangerous situations like drifting out to sea.