By JEFF LYSIAK, jlysiak@breezenewspapers.com

Two divers reported missing off Sanibel for approximately two hours today have been rescued.

The two men were recovered safely at 5:50 p.m. by U.S. Coast Guard Rescue, Sanibel Fire Rescue District Assistant Chief Matt Scott said.

The divers were diving 6.2 miles off the eastern tip of Sanibel; one person person remained on the boat. Officials do not know if the boat drifted, or the divers drifted from beneath the vessel, but when they didn't surface, a call was placed to the Coast Guard, Scott said.

The Sanibel Fire Rescue District launched its marine vessel at 4:15 p.m. from the Sanibel boat ramp. In addition to the Coast Guard team, the responding agencies also included Iona-McGregor Fire Rescue, Bonita Springs Fire Department and the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

The rescued divers were being transported to the U.S. Coast Guard on Fort Myers Beach early Thursday evening.