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23h ago

Three Divers Rescued Off Duck Key After Drifting Nearly 2 Nautical Miles

Located by a Navy search-and-rescue helicopter and pulled aboard an FWC patrol vessel, the men were recovered without injuries and returned to their dive boat, illustrating the lifesaving value of quick multi-agency response.

Three missing divers in the Florida Keys were rescued Wednesday afternoon, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (FWC)
Three missing divers in the Florida Keys were rescued Wednesday afternoon, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (FWC)
Three missing divers in the Florida Keys were rescued Wednesday afternoon, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (FWC)

Overview

  • The three adult men went missing while diving a reef off Duck Key and were rescued Wednesday after crews launched an immediate search following a report just before noon.
  • A U.S. Navy Search and Rescue helicopter spotted the divers about 1.74–2 nautical miles from their dive start around 12:12 p.m., guiding marine teams to their position.
  • FWC marine officers recovered the men and their gear onto an FWC patrol vessel, found them uninjured, and reunited them with their dive boat at sea.
  • The FWC released bodycam and helicopter video of the spotting and recovery, and Monroe County officials praised the seamless coordination between FWC, the Coast Guard, Navy SAR and local rescue units.
  • The episode highlights how quickly swimmers and divers can drift from a dive site in rough conditions and shows that rapid reporting plus coordinated air and sea assets are critical to preventing maritime injuries.