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Family stranded for hours after canoe trip rescued by Clay deputies, JSO helicopter

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — A family of five was stranded in the woods for hours before they were spotted by a helicopter Friday evening in Clay County.

The family, which included a child as young as 2 years old, was canoeing in the North Prong Area of Black Creek when they became stranded.

Clay County deputies began searching for the two adults and their three children Friday evening.

Deputies said a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office helicopter spotted the family by a fire they’d built.

“Normally, the rescue would have been conducted by boat but because the creek was so shallow they needed to bring a helicopter in,” said Lt. Dan Mahla with the Sheriffs Office.

The CCSO said the helicopter located the family with search lights and guided land-based searchers to them.

It seems the family had very little cellphone battery when they called for help.

Deputies said this is an example of why it's important to think ahead and leave a plan for where you're going in case something like this happens.

"You always want to leave a float plan where you're going. We always recommend that you put it in the windshield of your car,” Mahla said. “We did find their vehicle but we had no clue as to which direction they went."

The family members were OK when they were rescued, just very tired and hungry, according to deputies.