CALADESI ISLAND, Fla. — A trip to Caladesi Island lasted longer than some tourists were hoping Saturday afternoon after they said the ferry didn't come to pick them up.
- Caladesi Island visitors forced to call 911 after ferry doesn't return
- Mom, son, 2 other families tried to call State Parks but no answer
- After waiting nearly an hour, they were rescued by Dunedin Fire
Sonja Scott of Georgia and her son, Isaiah, said they had tickets for a 5:15 p.m. boat ride back to Honeymoon Island on the Caladesi Ferry.
They explored for a few hours, then returned to the marina and waited for the ferry — but it never showed up. Two other families were also stranded.
Scott said they tried to call State Parks for help, but no one answered. After about 45 minutes, they called 911. A rescue crew from the Dunedin Fire Department came by boat to bring them back to land.
"I did start to worry that no one was going to come rescue us from the island," Isaiah said.
Despite the wait, Scott and her son said it was still a fun day, exploring a beautiful place.
"It’s still America’s best state park, even though we were stranded," Scott said.
A request for comment from Caladesi Island Ferry wasn't immediately returned.