Former college football quarterback Chris Smelley found himself stranded in the Gulf of Mexico after a fishing excursion in a kayak went awry. The Alabama native, who played for the University of South Carolina, took his kayak out in Grayton Beach, Florida, without his phone and life jacket. Strong winds swept him 8 miles off the coast, making it impossible for him to return to shore. Despite being a comfortable swimmer and familiar with the ocean, Smelley found himself at the mercy of nature and unable to get back to safety.
As his wife grew worried after he failed to return home, authorities were contacted, and the US Coast Guard was called in to search for the missing kayaker. Spotting helicopters overhead and trying to wave them down, Smelley was eventually rescued by a friend with a fishing boat, followed by the Coast Guard. After spending 11 hours adrift in the ocean, he was checked out by medical personnel and reunited with his family on shore. Despite being in “survival mode” during the ordeal, Smelley remained optimistic and grateful for the efforts made to rescue him.
Reflecting on his experience, Smelley expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, prayers, and love he received during and after the incident. He emphasized the power of prayer and the overwhelming sense of blessings and love he felt from his community. Acknowledging the anxiety and worry his family experienced during his time at sea, Smelley recognized the emotional toll his disappearance had on his loved ones. He credited the successful rescue to a combination of luck, timing, and the efforts of everyone involved in locating him.
Despite being an experienced fisherman and comfortable in the ocean, Smelley admitted to making a mistake by going out without essential safety equipment like a life jacket and phone. He acknowledged the importance of prioritizing safety when venturing out in potentially dangerous situations. While he emerged from the ordeal with just some sunburn, Smelley recognized the potential severity of the situation had it not been for the timely rescue efforts. He shared his story as a cautionary tale and a lesson in preparedness when engaging in water activities.
Authorities involved in the rescue, including Sgt. Jeremy Fisher of the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, commended Smelley for handling the situation well despite the challenging circumstances. Fisher noted that such scenarios do not always have positive outcomes, emphasizing the importance of safety protocols when engaging in water sports. While Smelley was appreciative of the rescue operation and the help he received, he expressed regret for causing his family distress and promised to prioritize safety in future outings. The incident served as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for unexpected challenges while exploring the outdoors.
