Conjoined twins recovering after 'water emergency'

Conjoined twins rescued from the ocean at Playalinda Beach on Sunday continue to recover today as family members ask for privacy.

The 12-year-old twins were airlifted to Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando on Sunday evening after what Brevard County Fire Chief Mark Schollmeyer called a "water emergency."

Brevard County Rescue officials reported that the pair, visiting the area from out of state, were in the water playing when one of them suffered an unexplained injury to the neck area.

The incident occurred on Kennedy Space Center property at Playalinda Beach. There are no lifeguards at the federally-protected beach

Schollmeyer, on Twitter, said due to the physical nature of the conjoinment, there was concern the helicopter wouldn't be able to transport them.

The paramedics only learned they were were conjoined when they arrived at the beach, officials reported. The family "has requested privacy," said a spokesman for Arnold Palmer Hospital, where the twins were taken for treatment.

Contact Bonanno at 321-242-3662, cbonanno@floridatoday.com or follow Chris on Twitter @FTChrisBonanno.