Two divers from Arcadia, Florida, were rescued after spending several hours stranded in the Gulf of Mexico during a dive near Boca Grande.
According to a report by WINK News, the couple surfaced from their dive expecting to return to their boat, only to find it gone.
The report cites Rivera, who said the vessel had likely drifted away after an anchor failure as conditions worsened above the surface.
Weather conditions at the time were a contributing factor. According to the WINK Weather Authority, a Small Craft Advisory was in effect, with northeast winds between 15 and 20 knots and sea waves building to between 3 and 5 feet. These conditions reduced visibility and made it increasingly difficult for the divers to orient themselves or swim effectively.
Local reports indicate the pair remained in the water for several hours while awaiting rescue. During that time, they used a dive light to help signal their position.
Additional reporting from WENG Radio confirms that emergency responders, including Charlotte County Fire and EMS, were involved in the rescue operation.
The divers were eventually located and brought to safety. No serious injuries have been reported.
Authorities have not yet released a formal statement detailing the full sequence of events, including how far the divers drifted or the exact timeline of the rescue.
Boca Grande, located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is a well-known area for recreational boating and diving, where changing weather and sea conditions can quickly impact surface safety.
This remains a developing story, and further official details may be released.
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