WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — A kayaker is still recovering after being swept into the Gulf of Mexico.
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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.
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Despite paddling, the wind carried him a mile-and-a-half off of Grayton Beach.
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Deputies in Walton County and the Coast Guard then began searching just a few hours later.
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“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.
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He’s said his family is grateful for the happy ending.
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