An Edmond couple was miraculously rescued around 1 am on Friday after disappearing while scuba diving off the coast of Texas, US. The couple, who had been feared lost at sea by their loved ones, were found alive in the Gulf of Mexico following a 36-hour search, according to Oklahoma news.
Disappearance and rescue
Nathan and Kim Maker were last seen scuba diving with a group on Wednesday morning when a storm hit, causing chaos among the divers.According to Charles Owen, Nathan’s uncle, the couple had surfaced and were preparing to return to the boat when a large swell engulfed them.
“There was a storm moving in, and the divers had all surfaced and were preparing to get back on the boat,” Owen explained. “As the 16 got in, in the meantime, the swell came in and engulfed all of them,” as per Oklahoma news.
Despite taking precautions and inflating their safety devices, the storm proved too powerful, and Nathan and Kim were swept away. The search covered 1,656 square miles and lasted approximately 36 hours. Coast Guard officials were close to calling off the search when a plane made a final pass outside the designated search grid.
“This plane happened to be in the air last night making its last run outside the grid, and Nathan and Kim had their diving flashlights and were signaling SOS to the plane,” Owen said. The Coast Guard aircraft spotted the flashing lights from the couple’s diving flashlights, leading rescue boats to their location.
Rescue details
Video footage from a Coast Guard aircraft showed two figures around 20 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico early Friday morning. These figures were identified as Nathan and Kim Maker. The couple was found dehydrated, with jellyfish stings, and Kim had an infection, while Nathan was near a diabetic coma. They had also been swimming periodically to maintain their body temperature.
“We’d already practically given up hope,” Owen said, reflecting the family’s relief and gratitude for the miraculous rescue. “This miracle was performed by the Coast Guard at God’s direction,” according to Oklahoma news.
The rescue operation was a collaborative effort involving multiple Coast Guard units. Sector Corpus Christi received the initial notification on Wednesday afternoon, reporting the couple’s disappearance in unfavorable weather conditions. Air Station Corpus Christi deployed MH-65 Dolphin helicopters and HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft, while Station Port O’Connor dispatched a 45-foot Response boat medium. The Coast Guard Cutter Edgar Culbertson was also directed to assist.
The Ocean Sentry aircraft crew spotted the flashing light in the water, which led to the divers’ location. The couple was transported to Coast Guard Station Freeport and reported to be in stable condition.
Owen expressed profound gratitude for the community’s support and prayers. “We thank everybody for their concerns and their prayers,” he said. Nathan and Kim are currently hospitalized but in stable condition, and Owen hopes they can return home soon.
Disappearance and rescue
Nathan and Kim Maker were last seen scuba diving with a group on Wednesday morning when a storm hit, causing chaos among the divers.According to Charles Owen, Nathan’s uncle, the couple had surfaced and were preparing to return to the boat when a large swell engulfed them.
“There was a storm moving in, and the divers had all surfaced and were preparing to get back on the boat,” Owen explained. “As the 16 got in, in the meantime, the swell came in and engulfed all of them,” as per Oklahoma news.
Despite taking precautions and inflating their safety devices, the storm proved too powerful, and Nathan and Kim were swept away. The search covered 1,656 square miles and lasted approximately 36 hours. Coast Guard officials were close to calling off the search when a plane made a final pass outside the designated search grid.
“This plane happened to be in the air last night making its last run outside the grid, and Nathan and Kim had their diving flashlights and were signaling SOS to the plane,” Owen said. The Coast Guard aircraft spotted the flashing lights from the couple’s diving flashlights, leading rescue boats to their location.
Rescue details
Video footage from a Coast Guard aircraft showed two figures around 20 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico early Friday morning. These figures were identified as Nathan and Kim Maker. The couple was found dehydrated, with jellyfish stings, and Kim had an infection, while Nathan was near a diabetic coma. They had also been swimming periodically to maintain their body temperature.
“We’d already practically given up hope,” Owen said, reflecting the family’s relief and gratitude for the miraculous rescue. “This miracle was performed by the Coast Guard at God’s direction,” according to Oklahoma news.
The rescue operation was a collaborative effort involving multiple Coast Guard units. Sector Corpus Christi received the initial notification on Wednesday afternoon, reporting the couple’s disappearance in unfavorable weather conditions. Air Station Corpus Christi deployed MH-65 Dolphin helicopters and HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft, while Station Port O’Connor dispatched a 45-foot Response boat medium. The Coast Guard Cutter Edgar Culbertson was also directed to assist.
The Ocean Sentry aircraft crew spotted the flashing light in the water, which led to the divers’ location. The couple was transported to Coast Guard Station Freeport and reported to be in stable condition.
Owen expressed profound gratitude for the community’s support and prayers. “We thank everybody for their concerns and their prayers,” he said. Nathan and Kim are currently hospitalized but in stable condition, and Owen hopes they can return home soon.