MIAMI — The Coast Guard suspended their search Friday for a missing diver southwest of Marquesas Key.
The 46-year-old man was reported missing on VHF Channel 16 about 12 p.m. Wednesday by a friend after the diver failed to return from a dive approximately 9 miles southwest of Marquesas Key. Individuals aboard the recreational vessel he was diving from found the man's dive buoy and spear gun in the water.
"We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones and all those who have been affected by this tragedy," said Capt. Jeffery Janszen, Sector Key West commanding officer. "Suspending search efforts is always a painful decision, but despite our best efforts we have been unable to locate the missing diver and have made the difficult decision to suspend the search pending any further developments."
Coast Guard Sector Key West coordinated more than 50 hours of searching with Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crews, Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crews, Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane crews, the Coast Guard Cutter Raymond Evans and Station Key West boat crews. The crews searched a combined area totaling more than 3,100 square miles.
For breaking news follow us on Twitter @USCGSoutheast