Kayaker Suffers Medical Emergency On Remote Island

HOMESTEAD, FL — A woman had to be rescued from a remote area of Biscayne National Park over the weeekend when she suffered a medical emergency while on a kayak. The woman was on a camping trip, according to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. The incident occurred just before the sun went down.

"Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's Fire Boat 73 responded to Elliott Key for a camper who kayaked out to the island," explained a spokesperson for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. "The patient had a foot injury and needed immediate attention."

The incident took place shortly after 8 p.m. on Saturday night, according to the spokesperson.

The spokesperson said that the woman was taken by fire boat to the marina where she was transferred to a ground unit for the rest of the ride to a local hospital.

Elliott Key is the largest island in the national park. It was once made up of pioneers engaged in pineapple farming, sponging and wrecking. But, today the island is used for camping, picnicking, swimming, wildlife watching and hiking, according to park officials.

"With the end of summer quickly approaching many of us in South Florida are filling these days with outdoor activities," the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue spokesperson added. "Miami-Dade Fire Rescue wants to remind everyone, when you are in remote areas to have a plan for if you have medical emergency. Cell phone don’t always work."

Photos courtesy Miami-Dade Fire Rescue