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911 call from stranded off-roaders leads to rescue by helicopter

Posted at 10:20 PM, Oct 22, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-23 06:21:45-04

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — An emergency 911 call alerted Collier County deputies to some tense moments playing out on a Southwest Florida nature trail Monday morning.

Three people stuck in a swampy situation after their ATV broke down several miles into Big Cypress National Preserve.

Collier County Sheriff’s Office aviation crew immediately responded to the call, using infrared to track down the people stuck in the forest. The 911 call details the exchange between the caller and dispatcher.

“Our belt broke on our side-by-side,” said one of the victims.

“Okay sir, I’m just trying to plot exactly where you are, ” said the dispatcher.

After navigating through the trees the rescue crew finally spots the people in need of help. Video released by the sheriff’s office shows the three people standing on top of their ATV waving frantically.

"We just need to get out of here," said one of the victims.

Soon after locating the stranded trio — deputies drop down from the chopper and one by one pull the victims out

Victims were then transported to CCSO Patrol units at the rest area to the 63 mile marker of Interstate 75.

Rescue video: Three people rescued from Big Cypress National Preserve