COLLIER COUNTY, FL — A paddle boarder, lost in the remote Ten Thousand Islands, was rescued this afternoon by Collier County first responders. The individual called the Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Dispatch at 1:42 p.m., initiating a swift and coordinated rescue operation.
A Marine Emergency Response Team was activated following the distress call. Resources deployed included a CCSO Aviation Bureau helicopter, CCSO Marine Unit boats, and units from the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District. The CCSO Aviation crew played a pivotal role in the operation.
The paddle boarder was located from the air by the Aviation crew, who assessed the situation and determined that the muddy and shallow waters precluded a boat rescue. Consequently, two rescue specialists from the North Collier Fire Rescue District, part of the Aviation crew, were lowered to the ground.
These specialists secured the paddle boarder and executed a hoist operation, safely transporting him to the helicopter. The individual was then flown to the Port of the Islands, where Collier County EMS took over for evaluation. The successful operation highlights the effectiveness of the multi-agency response in handling emergencies in challenging environments.