A couple from Oklahoma vanished during a scuba diving expedition off the coast of Texas on Wednesday morning. Despite an intense 36-hour search operation, authorities were on the brink of conceding defeat.
Suddenly, something miraculous occurred.
According to Nathan’s uncle, Charles Owen, Nathan and Kim Maker from Edmond, Oklahoma frequently engage in diving activities. The couple has always been cautious and taken necessary safety measures.
Early morning on Wednesday, while diving with a group in the Gulf of Mexico, The Makers vanished without a trace.
Owen recounted the events, stating that the divers had resurfaced and were preparing to return to the boat when they noticed an incoming storm. As the divers were getting back onto the boat, a swell suddenly appeared and engulfed all of them.
Amidst the strong storm, Nathan and Kim attempted to surface by inflating their safety devices, but unfortunately, it was not enough to save them, and they were swept away.
According to Owen, the Coast Guard informed him at approximately 7 p.m. on Wednesday that the couple had gone missing earlier that same morning.
Rescue teams scoured a vast 1,656 square mile-area in the Gulf in their quest to find the missing individuals. The search effort was relentless and determined.
After about 36 hours, Owen received news that the authorities were considering ending their search as they had already examined the entire grid.
Owen reminisced, “We had lost all hope.”
A remarkable turn of events occurred when a plane, reportedly on its final flight outside the designated area, spotted an object, as per Owen’s statement, late Thursday evening.
Owen recounted how Nathan and Kim were using their diving flashlights to signal an S.O.S. as they pointed towards the bottom of the plane.
Early Friday morning, Nathan and Kim Maker were spotted by a Coast Guard aircraft about 20 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, as per a new video.
As the plane made its final pass, they were spotted and help was on the way in the form of boats coming to their rescue.
Owen expressed his astonishment by stating, “It’s a miracle.”
According to KFOR, it was revealed that Kim had contracted an infection while Nathan was found almost in a diabetic coma. The two had also suffered from multiple jellyfish stings and were severely dehydrated. The family is optimistic that both will recover soon and return home.
Owen expressed gratitude towards everyone for their concerns and prayers. He firmly believes that the Coast Guard performed this miracle under God’s direction.