Uploaded February 2021 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
Sheriff Watson is proud of the joint cooperation of the two agencies and attributes the success of this rescue mission to the top-tier elite training of the special tactical units that were activated last night.
Two out-of-state travelers visiting the area on a fishing trip were rescued last night after nearly 10 hours out on Orange Lake.
The two launched from a local boating ramp at approximately 4:00 pm. The gentleman told deputies that they left their fishing spot at around 6:00 pm but could not find the canal to get back to their cabin. The vessel started to take on water after their boat plug fell out. The wife of one of the men contacted ACSO dispatchers at 10:16 pm and requested a wellbeing check on her husband and his friend. They had not contacted her like they were supposed to when they were done fishing.
When deputies arrived at the boat ramp, they located the missing boaters' vehicle, boat trailer, and observed a cell phone on the dash of the car. Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded by air to attempt to locate the gentlemen. After a brief search, the lost boaters were spotted around midnight. After being located, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Marine Operations Underwater Recovery Team (MOURT) responded by boat to guide them safely back to land, with the rescue being finalized around 2:00 am.
The men were examined by EMS and found to be in good health.
Sheriff Watson is proud of the joint cooperation of the two agencies and attributes the success of this rescue mission to the top-tier elite training of the special tactical units that were activated last night.
Two out-of-state travelers visiting the area on a fishing trip were rescued last night after nearly 10 hours out on Orange Lake.
The two launched from a local boating ramp at approximately 4:00 pm. The gentleman told deputies that they left their fishing spot at around 6:00 pm but could not find the canal to get back to their cabin. The vessel started to take on water after their boat plug fell out. The wife of one of the men contacted ACSO dispatchers at 10:16 pm and requested a wellbeing check on her husband and his friend. They had not contacted her like they were supposed to when they were done fishing.
When deputies arrived at the boat ramp, they located the missing boaters' vehicle, boat trailer, and observed a cell phone on the dash of the car. Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded by air to attempt to locate the gentlemen. After a brief search, the lost boaters were spotted around midnight. After being located, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Marine Operations Underwater Recovery Team (MOURT) responded by boat to guide them safely back to land, with the rescue being finalized around 2:00 am.
The men were examined by EMS and found to be in good health.
