Kayaker in Florida rescued 12 hours after being swept out into Gulf of Mexico

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — A kayaker is still recovering after being swept into the Gulf of Mexico.

▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

He spent nearly 12 hours there before being rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Chris Smelley was trying to fish Thursday morning without realizing how strong the winds were.

Read: Driver arrested after airboat flipped over after making sharp turn to see alligator

Despite paddling, the wind carried him a mile-and-a-half off of Grayton Beach.

See the Coast Guard’s video here:

Kayaker in Florida rescued 12 hours after being swept out into Gulf of Mexico (WFTV)

Deputies in Walton County and the Coast Guard then began searching just a few hours later.

Read: Florida man rides 90 miles on bicycle to celebrate 90th birthday

“There were some times, especially as the sun started to go down and I had seen the rescue helicopters over me pretty close a few times but didn’t see me, that I was like ‘oh my gosh, I’m about to spend the night out here in the ocean,’” Smelly said.

Read: How Disney, DeSantis relations devolved before March 27 state lawsuit settlement

He’s said his family is grateful for the happy ending.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2024 Cox Media Group