Dramatic Gulf rescue of former South Carolina quarterback

Kevin Moak, captain of the "Hey Baby" boat in Destin, Fla., is pictured April 1, 2024.

General view of the lookout on the 30-foot 1974 G&S boat "Hey Baby," is pictured at the Harbor Docks' marina and seafood restaurant in Destin, Fla., April 1, 2024.

The 30-foot 1974 G&S boat "Hey Baby," center, is seen moored at the Harbor Docks' marina and seafood restaurant in Destin, Fla., April 1, 2024.

The 30-foot 1974 G&S boat "Hey Baby," center, is seen moored at the Harbor Docks' marina and seafood restaurant in Destin, Fla., April 1, 2024.

Kevin Moak, left, captain of the 30-foot 1974 G&S boat "Hey Baby," and Eddie Morgan, owner of Harbor Docks, a family-owned marina and seafood restaurant in Destin, Fla., maneuver the vessel April 1, 2024.

Eddie Morgan, owner of Harbor Docks, a family-owned marina and seafood restaurant in Destin, Fla., is pictured April 1, 2024.

Eddie Morgan, left, owner of Harbor Docks, a family-owned marina and seafood restaurant in Destin, Fla., and Kevin Moak, captain, maneuver the 30-foot 1974 G&S boat "Hey Baby" April 1, 2024.

The helm of the 30-foot 1974 G&S boat "Hey Baby" is seen in Destin, Fla., April 1, 2024.

Kevin Moak, left, captain of the 30-foot 1974 G&S boat "Hey Baby," and Eddie Morgan, owner of Harbor Docks, a family-owned marina and seafood restaurant in Destin, Fla., maneuver the vessel April 1, 2024. (Tyler Orsburn/News Herald)

Kevin Moak, captain of the "Hey Baby" boat in Destin, Fla., is pictured April 1, 2024, during an interview with Gannett.

Kevin Moak, captain of the "Hey Baby" boat in Destin, Fla., shows the photo he took of Chris Smelley March 28, 2024, the former college football quarterback who was pushed out into the Gulf of Mexico while on his fishing kayak, during an April 1 interview with Gannett.

Kevin Moak, captain of the "Hey Baby" boat in Destin, Fla., is pictured April 1, 2024, during an interview with Gannett.

Eddie Morgan, left, owner of Harbor Docks, a family-owned marina and seafood restaurant in Destin, Fla., and Kevin Moak, captain, maneuver the 30-foot 1974 G&S boat "Hey Baby" April 1, 2024. (Tyler Orsburn/News Herald)

Kevin Moak, captain of the "Hey Baby" boat in Destin, Fla., is pictured April 1, 2024, during an interview with Gannett. He took photos with his cellphone of the March 28 search and rescue mission of former football player Chris Smelley.

General view of the shoreline in Grayton Beach, Fla., April 1, 2024.

General view of the shoreline in Grayton Beach, Fla., April 1, 2024.

General view of the shoreline in Grayton Beach, Fla., April 1, 2024.

General view of the shoreline in Grayton Beach, Fla., April 1, 2024.

Collin McManus, a South Walton Fire District lifeguard, stands watch at Grayton Beach, Fla., April 1, 2024.

General view of the pier on Western Lake in Grayton Beach, Fla., April 1, 2024. Many kayakers use this area.

General view of the boat ramp in Grayton Beach, Fla., April 1, 2024. Many kayakers use this area.

Austin Kisner, beach safety officer for the South Walton Fire District, is seen at Grayton Beach, Fla., April 1, 2024.

Collin McManus, left, a South Walton Fire District lifeguard, stands watch at Grayton Beach, Fla., April 1, 2024. Also pictured, Austin Kisner, South Walton Fire District's beach safety officer.

Collin McManus, a South Walton Fire District lifeguard, stands watch at Grayton Beach, Fla., April 1, 2024.

Rip current signage is seen on the shoreline in Grayton Beach, Fla., April 1, 2024.

Austin Kisner, right, the beach safety officer for the South Walton Fire District, is seen at Grayton Beach, Fla., April 1, 2024. Also pictured, Collin McManus, a South Walton Fire District lifeguard.

Austin Kisner, the beach safety officer for the South Walton Fire District, is seen at Grayton Beach, Fla., April 1, 2024.