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| News Release |
Date: Contact: |
| Coast Guard, FWC, MCSO continue search for missing diver |
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KEY WEST, Fla. -- Coast Guard search and rescue coordinators in Key West received a call around 12:30 p.m. Saturday of a missing diver near Content Keys, Fla., approximately four miles northwest of Big Pine Key, Fla. The 32-year-old female diver was using a third lung apparatus (also known as a hookah rig) when she surfaced and said she lost her air. Reports say that she then disappeared and is suspected to have sunk in 20 feet of water as she was still wearing a weight belt. As soon as she disappeared family and friends searched for her in the water but could not locate her. The Coast Guard responded immediately by launching smallboat crews from Coast Guard Stations Key West and Marathon, Fla., and an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Miami. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded by diverting a boat and launching an FWC helicopter from the Marathon Airport. The Coast Guard and FWC searched the area until sunset Saturday and are set to resume searching Sunday morning. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office dive team will join the search because it is suspected the diver may still be underwater. |
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