This Florida Fish and Wildlife post says that Terry Hayes was found 12 miles from the original dive site after drifting for 23 hours. He is a very lucky man.
https://www.facebook.com/MyFWC/posts/10156562745048349
MyFWC
August 24 at 8:59 AM ·
Diver rescued 30 miles offshore
Two divers were separated from their boat and were missing about 30 miles offshore. Fortunately, both were rescued! Wednesday, the US Coast Guard received word and sent several boats and a helicopter, and the Pasco Sheriff's Office also came to assist. The United States Coast Guard helicopter rescued one of the divers, that evening, but the other was still missing. On the way to the search area yesterday morning, crew members on the FWC Offshore Patrol Vessel Gulf Sentry saw a black object with neon orange in the water. Thankfully, the object was an inflatable distress buoy held above the diver’s head! The crew pulled the exhausted and very grateful diver on board, conducted a first aid assessment and provided water. He had drifted with the current for 23 hours and was approximately 12 miles away from the original dive point!
Thanks to every person and organization that joined in the search, including: U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Air Station Miami, Station Sand Key, Coast Guard Cutters Pelican and Seahawk.
Note: FWC OPV Gulf Sentry pictured in the background of the last photo on the right.
https://www.facebook.com/MyFWC/posts/10156562745048349
MyFWC
August 24 at 8:59 AM ·
Diver rescued 30 miles offshore
Two divers were separated from their boat and were missing about 30 miles offshore. Fortunately, both were rescued! Wednesday, the US Coast Guard received word and sent several boats and a helicopter, and the Pasco Sheriff's Office also came to assist. The United States Coast Guard helicopter rescued one of the divers, that evening, but the other was still missing. On the way to the search area yesterday morning, crew members on the FWC Offshore Patrol Vessel Gulf Sentry saw a black object with neon orange in the water. Thankfully, the object was an inflatable distress buoy held above the diver’s head! The crew pulled the exhausted and very grateful diver on board, conducted a first aid assessment and provided water. He had drifted with the current for 23 hours and was approximately 12 miles away from the original dive point!
Thanks to every person and organization that joined in the search, including: U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Air Station Miami, Station Sand Key, Coast Guard Cutters Pelican and Seahawk.
Note: FWC OPV Gulf Sentry pictured in the background of the last photo on the right.
Usually don't take it on my Caribbean trips but always have it on any of my mid-Atlantic dives. I think its well over 18+ years old and still in pretty good shape.
