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The bodies of the two teen canoeists missing since Saturday evening were recovered at approximately noon today.

An officer with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) located the canoe and one of the teens approximately 11 miles off shore in the Gulf of Mexico near the town of Suwannee. The U.S. Coast Guard found the second teen approximately a half-mile away from the canoe.

Sean Wilkerson, 14, from Backworth, Ga., and Clay McKemie, 14, from Rome, Ga., were the missing canoeists.

The FWC and the U.S. Coast Guard were involved in a massive search for the two since the boys were reported separated from the rest of their group. A group of eight students and two adult leaders launched three canoes, three kayaks and a motor-powered raft from a public ramp in Suwannee to go camping on Coon Island, approximately three miles north of Suwannee.

Approximately a half-mile from Coon Island, the motor failed on the raft. All the vessels, with the exception of McKemie's and Wilkerson's canoe, tied together at the disabled vessel. The group saw what they believed to be a flashlight from the missing canoe and an adult leader and one student went searching for the missing boys.

The group leader became disoriented in the darkness and paddled for several hours until he gained cell phone access. He called his wife who then called the Coast Guard to advise rescuers of the situation. The Coast Guard responded and located the two adults and six students.

According to FWC Capt. John Burton, area supervisor out of Crystal River, the FWC and the Coast Guard had a variety of assets involved in the search.

According to Burton, "The local community really pulled together for the survivors who were rescued and the family of the missing boys. The local Baptist church provided a fellowship hall for the families and friends.

"Local boaters and the Dixie County Sheriff's Office assisted with a victim's advocate. Volunteers also helped with the search around the islands and inshore waters," Burton said. "Miller's Marine allowed us to set up our command post and a local hotel, the Suwannee Shores Motor Lodge, provided the families with rooms."

According to Burton, search efforts were hampered Sunday by bad weather and choppy seas. Water temperature was approximately 58 to 60 degrees.

"Our thoughts and prayers are now with their families and friends," Burton said.

The Wildlife Foundation of Florida offers a publication titled "Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail" for $12.97. It offers safety tips, navigational information and other pointers for canoeing and kayaking in the Big Bend area of Florida. Interested persons can purchase a copy of the guide at www.wildlifefoundationofflorida.com.