FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., June 21 (UPI) -- A man and a woman treaded water for 14 hours near Key Largo, Fla., before they were rescued Saturday by off-duty emergency officials.

Sean McGovern, of Key Largo, and Mellisa Morris, 51, of Texas, fell from their boat, which was still in gear and drove away from them. Neither was wearing a floatation device, the (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) Sun-Sentinel reported.


McGovern and Morris floated for 14 hours to Hallandale Beach before two off-duty Broward County Sheriff's detectives, Adam White and Josh Webb, and Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue firefighter paramedic Keith Silvas happened to come across them.

The three officials just happened to be fishing for dolphin when they found McGovern and Morris.

"They were just in the right place at the right time," said Broward Sheriff's spokeswoman Dani Moschella. "My goodness, they're a very, very lucky couple."

The detectives and firefighter contacted the U.S. Coast Guard, which transported the couple back to shore. Both were in good condition with mild hypothermia and jellyfish stings.

"The will to survive is very powerful. I'm pretty sure that is what motivated them in keeping them floating in the water," said U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Mark Barney.