MIAMI – The body of a missing kayaker was located 2 miles west of Loggerhead Key in the Dry Tortugas National Park by the National Park Service at approximately 11:20 a.m., Sunday. Coast Guard crews located and rescued a second missing kayaker 3 miles west of Loggerhead Key at approximately 12:15 p.m.
A kayak matching the description of the one transporting two kayakers who were reported overdue Saturday was also located empty Sunday.
Shane Wood, 32, of Key West, Fla., was located in the water by an HU-25 Falcon jet crew and rescued by the Coast Guard Cutter Pea Island. Wood was listed in stable condition.
The body of the missing kayaker was found and recoverd by the National Park Service.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Key West Command Center received a call at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, from the National Park Service of Dry Tortugas National Park reporting two kayakers had filed a float plan with the park and departed in an orange kayak. The float plan stated they were due back at 4:30 p.m., Saturday.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Miami was immediately launched to search for the overdue kayak and any possible people in distress.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the friends and families of the deceased,” said Coast Guard Captain Pat DeQuattro, Commander of Coast Guard Sector Key West.
The identity of the deceased is currently being withheld pending next of kin notification.
