Two Teenagers Share Harrowing Experience of 16 Hours Stranded at Sea on Inflatable Paddleboard

What confuses some is how the girls managed to wander so far without being noticed earlier, leading to discussions about potential shortcomings in early detection or coastal surveillance.

Despite the prompt action taken by the coast guard after being notified, some residents question whether earlier indications of trouble could have been overlooked in the expansive waters surrounding Cedar Key.

The girls mentioned spotting distant boat lights during the night, but their cries for assistance went unanswered. Was there anyone who witnessed their actions and failed to recognize the potential harm? Or worse—chosen not to act? 

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Florida teenagers recount a harrowing 16-hour experience battling the treacherous waters on an inflatable paddleboard. 

Two 16-year-old girls from Florida, Avery Bryan and Eva Aponte, experienced a harrowing 16-hour ordeal at sea after being swept away from shore while floating on an inflatable paddleboard. 

The teenagers had planned to spend a peaceful day at the sandbar during low tide, but their plans took a turn for the worse when a strong current made it impossible for them to make their way back. As the water level increased, the girls found themselves isolated from the shoreline, devoid of sustenance, hydration, and protective gear.

In an interview with Inside Edition, the friends mentioned that the water appeared tranquil when they embarked on their journey. ‘It seemed like a perfect day to visit the sandbar, so we made the decision to paddle out,’ they explained. They started their journey in waist-deep water before getting on their board. 

Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for them to realize they were in a difficult situation. The present situation dragged them further away, and with no means to resist the current, fear started to creep in. 

Dressed in just sweatshirts and shorts, the girls began to worry about their safety in the freezing 40-degree night air. To prevent hypothermia and stay warm, they gathered closely to share body heat. At a certain point, their board drifted into an oyster bed, where sharp shells caused a deep cut on aponte’s hand, making their situation even more dire.

Upon returning to land, concerned families reported the missing teens, leading to a coordinated search operation involving the coast guard and local law enforcement. A group of boaters, including four men who were out on the water, joined the rescue mission after hearing about the missing girls. 

One of the rescuers, Gary Bartell, shared with Inside Edition that their knowledge of the girls being on an inflatable board helped them focus their search. ‘that told us to follow wind patterns rather than currents,’ he clarified. 

After just 30 minutes of searching, bartell and his team came across bryan and aponte. They asked, “Are you the missing girls?” and they replied, “I think so?” 

The girls were so fatigued and chilled from the cold that they were unable to walk and had to be lifted and transported to safety. They were hurried to the medical facility and received treatment for dehydration and hypothermia.

To assist with medical expenses, bryan’s relative jennifer launched a gofundme page. ‘god truly showed us that miracles still happen and prayers work,’ she wrote. ‘they’re expected to recover fully, but it will take time and continued support.’. 

She mentioned that any additional money raised will be used to support the local cedar key community. As of now, the fundraiser has managed to raise more than \$2,200 towards the \$6,500 target. 

The terrifying ordeal endured by Avery Bryan and Eva Aponte serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent unpredictability of nature and the indomitable spirit of human resilience. What started as a fun adventure quickly turned into a dangerous situation, but thanks to their bravery, perseverance, and a timely rescue, the girls managed to overcome the odds and make it out alive.

As they heal, the overwhelming support from their community and beyond serves as a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from unity, empathy, and belief. Their narrative is not just about survival—it is also a tale of hope, miracles, and the unbreakable bond of friendship.