Oklahoma couple found 36 hours after disappearing while scuba diving in Gulf of Mexico
Oklahoma Couple Miraculously Rescued After 36 Hours at Sea
On Wednesday morning, a couple from Oklahoma disappeared while scuba diving off the coast of Texas. After a 36-hour search, authorities were on the brink of giving up when a miracle occurred.
Nathan and Kim Maker from Edmond, Oklahoma, were experienced divers, according to Nathan’s uncle, Charles Owen, who spoke to Nexstar’s KFOR. The couple had always taken necessary precautions during their dives.
The Makers were diving with a group in the Gulf of Mexico when they went missing. “There was a storm moving in, and the divers had all surfaced to prepare to get back on the boat,” Owen explained. “As the 16 got in, a swell came in and engulfed all of them.”
Despite inflating their safety devices to surface, Nathan and Kim were overcome by the storm and disappeared. Around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, the Coast Guard informed the family that the couple had vanished earlier that morning.
Rescue crews launched an extensive search, covering a 1,656 square mile area in the Gulf. After roughly 36 hours, authorities were close to ending the search without success. “We’d already practically given up hope,” Owen recounted.
Then, a miracle happened: a plane on its final run outside the search grid spotted something. Nathan and Kim had been using their diving flashlights to signal SOS to the plane. New video from the Coast Guard aircraft captured two figures around 20 miles offshore early Friday morning, identified as Nathan and Kim Maker.
The plane’s sighting prompted rescue boats to rush to their location. “It’s a miracle,” Owen said.
Kim was found with an infection, and Nathan was nearly in a diabetic coma when rescued. Both were severely dehydrated and had multiple jellyfish stings. The family hopes Kim and Nathan will return home soon.
“We thank everybody for their concerns and prayers,” Owen said. “This miracle was performed by the Coast Guard at God’s direction.”
Funeral arrangements for Daniel Courville are being handled by his family, who are also navigating the emotional and logistical challenges that come with such a profound loss. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time as they grieve and make preparations to honor Courville’s memory.
The investigation remains ongoing, with the Louisiana State Police committed to providing updates as new information becomes available. The focus is on ensuring a thorough examination of all aspects of the crash to provide clarity and justice for those affected by the tragedy.
In summary, the fatal collision involving Daniel Courville and Juan Camacho has cast a somber shadow over the community. The ongoing investigation by the Louisiana State Police aims to uncover the full circumstances of the crash, and the public’s assistance remains crucial in piecing together the details of this heartbreaking incident.