Two divers found clinging to a small buoy for hours, rescued more than a mile off Boca Grande

BOCA GRANDE, Fla. —

Two divers were saved after they used an SOS light while they were clinging to a small buoy Thursday night off Boca Grande in Charlotte County.

According to Charlotte County Public Safety, crews were dispatched at 8:19 p.m. to the flashing SOS light offshore, northwest of Gasparilla Island.

After launching from Gasparilla Marina in high winds and with a strong outgoing tide, crews said they found the divers about 1.5 miles offshore, clinging to a crab trap buoy with a surface marker out.

Public safety said the divers had been in the water since around 2:30 p.m. after their boat broke free from its anchor before drifting away.

They were safely brought aboard before being medically evaluated and warmed up. Then, the divers were reunited with their family.

Public safety reminds people to carry a signaling device and file a float plan before they go out, which helps first responders find you quickly if something goes wrong.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.