Editor's note: click for video
MIAMI — The U.S. Coast Guard located four boaters Wednesday 40 miles northwest of Key West.
Rescued were David Thompson, 48, Adam Kelley, 28, Joshua Thompson, 15, and Evan Thompson, 11.
The four boaters were reported overdue by a concerned family member when they failed to return from a snorkeling trip Tuesday.
An HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane crew from Air Station Miami located the survivors at approximately 3:40 p.m. Wednesday about 40 miles northwest of Key West but were unsuccessful in establishing radio contact. A boat crew from Coast Guard Station Key West launched and met the survivors 40 miles northwest of Key West.
All four boaters are being taken to Coast Guard Sector Key West and are reportedly in good condition.
"The important take away is this family filed a float plan," said Cmdr. Clint Prindle, chief of response for Coast Guard Sector Key West. "They told family members where they were going and when they would be back. When they didn't return, a family member contacted us, and we immediately began our search efforts. However, we always recommend boaters carry an electronic position indicating radio beacon, also known as an EPIRB. When activated, an EPIRB alerts us immediately of distress and provides us with an exact location of a boater. It removes the search from a search and rescue effort."
For breaking news, follow us on Twitter @uscgsoutheast.