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Updated Monday, April 28, 2008 0:00 am TWN, AP

8 divers rescued after floating at sea for nearly 2 days off southern Taiwan

PINGTUNG, Taiwan -- Eight amateur divers were rescued Monday after floating for nearly 40 hours at sea off southern Taiwan as strong currents carried them some 80 kilometers (48 miles) away from their diving spot, officials said.

After they failed to return to their boat around noon Saturday, Taiwanese authorities launched a massive manhunt, involving patrol boats, helicopters and fishing boats at seas near Kenting, known for its rich coral reefs and marine life.

Hsu Shih-chi, an air force rescuer, said the divers' instructor swam to shore in Taitung county late Sunday night and gave authorities directions to help pinpoint their search.

The rescuers found the divers before sunrise Monday, aided by the divers' rescue beacons.

"When we searched at sea, we kept spotting blinking flashlights," Hsu told CTI Cable News.

The divers' instructor, Ting Po-ling, told reporters strong undersea currents carried the divers away from their waiting boat at Kenting.

He said he split them into two groups and told them to hold hands to stay together while waiting for rescuers.

Officials said the divers were suffering from sunburn and depressed body temperatures but were otherwise in good condition.

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