Missing Kayakers Found

The search for two missing 17-year old kayakers had a happy ending just before midnight.

The two teens were found at 11:50pm. Alabama Marine Police officers found the teens about two miles south of Gaillard Island. Their kayak was gone. The teens had been in the water since about 4pm. According to family friend, Dave Buckhaults, they were taken to the hospital to be treated for exposure and possible hypothermia.

A family friend said the teen boy and girl left a home on Bay Road, just off Dauphin Island Parkway, Monday afternoon to go kayaking on Mobile Bay. Family members got concerned when weather and water conditions changed.

Shortly after 5pm, the Coast Guard and other crews began searching the choppy waters of Mobile Bay. A Coast Guard helicopter and several boats were used in the search.

Friends told News 5 the young man and woman are experienced kayakers and are lifeguards.

The Coast Guard, Mobile County Sheriff's Office, Alabama Marine Police and Daphne Search and Rescue worked together in the search.