Child airlifted after snorkeling incident

An 8-year-old boy from South Carolina was airlifted to Miami Children’s Hospital Monday afternoon after he was found face down in the water off Marathon.

Deputy Jamie Hughes-Buxton responded to Sombrero Beach at 3 p.m. where a good Samaritan boater brought the child near shore. Deputy Jamie Hughes-Buxton waded into the water and carried the boy to shore. The child’s mouth was covered in blood. The good Samaritan stated the child had been coughing up blood during transport.

The child’s father stated they had been kayaking just south of Boot Key. The boy was snorkeling in a full face mask. The child began to float away. The father went to him and found the child face down. The father patted him on the back. The child gasped several times for air.

The child was taken to the Sheriff’s Office hangar in Marathon where one of the waiting Trauma Star helicopters flew him to Miami.

His status was not immediately available Tuesday morning.

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