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Collier County, FL - A father and son were safely rescued from the Florida Everglades after becoming stranded in a remote section of Big Cypress National Preserve in Collier County.
Officials said the incident began when the pair’s ATV allegedly ran out of gas while they were navigating the swamp terrain inside the 728000 acre preserve, which spans several South Florida counties.
According to the Collier County Sheriff's Office, the men attempted to continue on foot but became stuck in thick mud that pulled off their shoes.
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In a 911 call released by authorities, one of the men told the dispatcher they were far from help, nearly out of water and unable to free themselves from the mud.
The sheriff’s office deployed its aviation bureau to search for the pair using their phone coordinates and a fire the men had started to stay warm.
Thermal imaging from the helicopter captured the men’s heat signatures through dense vegetation, allowing crews to locate their position.
Because the terrain was inaccessible by ground vehicles, deputies coordinated with North Collier Fire and Rescue to perform an aerial hoist.
Video released by authorities shows one of the men being lifted into the helicopter with a rescuer before expressing relief once inside.
Both individuals were evaluated after the rescue and found to be uninjured.
Officials said the fire the men started for warmth was extinguished immediately after they were airlifted.
The sheriff’s office stated the rescue demonstrated effective coordination between agencies.