You are here

Home » Lost Virginia Kayaker Rescued In Everglades National Park

Lost Virginia Kayaker Rescued In Everglades National Park

Share

Published Date

February 4, 2020
Rescue of Mark Miele, a Virginia man who got separated from his kayak in Everglades National Park/CCSO

Rescue of Mark Miele, a Virginia man who got separated from his kayak in Everglades National Park/CCSO

A Virginia man who had gone kayaking in Everglades National Park alone is alive today thanks to losing his phone.

The man, 67-year-old Mark Miele, had set out on his paddle on January 22. He was scheduled to complete his trip by January 29. Four days later, however, some of his personal belongings, including his cell phone, washed ashore on the Lopez River in the Ten Thousand Islands area of the park.

Rangers alerted the Collier County Sheriff's Office, where staff was able to download Miele's last coordinates from his phone. With that, an air and water search was launched Monday, and the man was spotted not far from where his belongings were recovered, floating face up in the river.

Park rangers were able to pull the man into their skiff and bring him to shore. The rescue was captured on video by the sheriff's aviation arm.

"Shortly before noon on Monday, the Aviation Unit located Mark and guided our Marine Unit, alongside NPS and FWC officers, to his location, a few miles from where his belongings were found," the sheriff's office reported Monday afternoon. "Mark is safe and is being treated by medical staff at Physicians Regional Hospital."

Miele apparently was suffering from exposure and hypothermia. 

Michelle Batten, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office, said Monday evening that deputies hadn't been able to interview Miele to learn how he got separated from his kayak. She did not know if it had been recovered.

 

 

 

 

 

Related Stories:

A Day In The Park: Everglades National Park

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.