One Monday evening, Avery Bryan and Eva Aponte ventured out on paddleboards together. But before long, their fun outing turned into a life-threatening event. The 16-year-old girls had yet to return home hours later, so it was clear that something was wrong. First responders were made aware and, soon enough, a number of groups started a rescue mission to find these missing paddleboarding teens.
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Florida Fish and Wildlife, Levy and Citrus County sheriff’s offices, and the U.S. Coast Guard did everything they could to locate Avery and Eva. There were even dozens of volunteer crews involved, too. Even as night drew near, the rescue mission continued. But it wasn’t until the very next morning that three volunteers finally found them. Learn more in the video below.
@abcworldnews Two 16-year-old girls who vanished while paddleboarding toward Cedar Key, Florida on Monday have been found. Three good Samaritans found them huddled together on their board about 14 miles from Cedar Key. #DavidMuir reports. #WorldNewsTonight ♬ original sound – ABC World News Tonight
Alex Jeffries, Russ Coon, and Will Pauling had only joined the search for the teens at 8 a.m. and, yet, they found them within 30 minutes. Needless to say, they did not expect this happy turn of events! Once Avery and Eva were located, they were quickly brought to shore. Despite enduring a cold night out on the waters, overall, they seemed healthy.
Overnight Paddleboard Rescue Ends in Success Thanks to Three Selfless Volunteers
“When we found them their feet were cut up, hands were cut up,” Will shares. “I think they kind of got washed in with low tide which may have helped them stay in one spot.”
By the time the girls were rescued, they had drifted incredibly far from shore. In fact, it’s said that they were about 14 miles away from Cedar Key. Still, once they were checked out at a hospital, it was shown that their injuries were, in fact, minor. Needless to say, both of their families have shared much appreciation for the community’s help in recuing these young women!
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