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News Channel 8 Video: Meet The Survivor
By CHIP OSOWSKI
News Channel 8
TIERRA VERDE - A 49-year old man has an incredible survival story to tell today. Michael Graham, 49, spent more than two full days floating in his kayak in the Gulf of Mexico before a casino ship spotted him Thursday about 10 miles west of Egmont Key.
Michael Graham spent more than two
full days floating in his kayak. News Channel 8
The Coast Guard picked him up, treated him for hypothermia, sunburn and dehydration and brought him back to shore late last Thursday night.
He’s now in stable condition.
Graham says a wave from a storm in the Gulf overturned his kayak and swept him out into the gulf around 10 a.m. Tuesday.
He says several other boats passed him and he tried to flag them down for help, but none would stop.
He says he thought he was a goner.
“I was out there by myself at night, no food, no water. It turned out okay though,” Graham said.
The Coast Guard says this rescue highlights the importance of filing a float plan with family members or friends.
Boaters should let them know where they’re going and what time they plan to return. That way a boater doesn’t show up on time, somebody can notify authorities.
Officials said they had no idea Graham was out in the Gulf, because no one had reported him missing.
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