Coast Guard Crews Search for Missing Diver off Key Biscayne
VIDEO: The man jumped in the water, missed a lifeline, and drifted away

Posted Monday, April 8, 2013

 


 E-mail this page
 Printer-friendly page

MIAMI – Coast Guard crews are searching for a missing 48-year-old male diver three-miles off of Key Biscayne, Fla.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Miami received a call at 12:18 p.m., Sunday, reporting that a diver had jumped into the water without his flippers and began drifting away from the dive boat.

According to Local 10 News, one of the man's friends jumped in to help but the seas were too rough. The boat's occupants kept an eye on him and circled around, eventually losing sight of the diver on high waves.

A Coast Guard 33-foot rescue boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Miami Beach, Fla., and a Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Miami were immediately launched to search for the possible missing diver. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Miami-Dade Marine Patrol, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and Miami-Dade Air Rescue are also assisting in the search.

The news source further reported that due to low visibility, local and state law enforcement said they suspended their search late Sunday and would resume at sunrise.

The diver was reported to have been wearing a black wet suit and a personal flotation device, as well as a dive tank, but no fins.

Anyone with further information on the missing diver are asked to contact Coast Guard watchstanders at 305-415-6800.