Family describes being lost at sea during fishing trip off Key West

Family says they encountered storm before being rescued by Coast Guard

KEY WEST, Fla. – David Thompson described the moment a Coast Guard plane spotted him and his family onboard a boat Wednesday, more than a day after the group was lost at sea.

"Thank God that we didn't have to paddle no more. Emotionally, we were starting to break down," Thompson said.

Thompson was reported missing Wednesday by a relative after he, his son-in-law, Adam Kelley, 28,  his son, Joshua Thompson, 15, and his nephew, Evan Thompson, 11, failed to return from a snorkeling trip off Key West.

"We went to start the battery and heard a clicking noise," Thompson said.

"Our family members were here. They knew we were coming back, so they knew once we didn't come back that there was something wrong," Kelley said.

The group of four set sail Tuesday for a day of fishing and snorkeling. Four hours into the trip, the battery on their 25-foot Grady White gave out.

As night fell, storms moved in. With swells about 13 feet high, the boat's anchor was ripped and distorted and their boat began to drift.

"We made some homemade paddles. Yesterday I think we paddled 13 miles," Thompson said.

"It was rough. So much stuff was going through my head. I could just imagine what my wife was going through," Kelley said.

But about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, they were saved. After a massive search by air by sea, the family was found 44 nautical miles off the coast of Key West.

"They brought us food, water (and) made sure we were OK," Joshua Thompson said.

The family arrived to the Key West Coast Guard base about 9 p.m. Wednesday night, and were greeted with hugs from their loved ones.

"I broke down in tears," Kelley said. "That was the most emotional thing I've had to deal with in my life."

The family from Central Florida will finish their vacation in the Florida Keys until early next week, but plan to stay out of the water.


About the Author:

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.