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AP reports diver missing in Islamorada
Diver Missing in the Florida Keys
The Associated Press
ISLAMORADA, Fla. (AP) - Authorities were searching for a diver Monday who was reported missing off the coast of the Florida Keys.
Tatyana Smirnov, 29, of Framingham, Mass., did not return from a dive Sunday after an excursion with 12 others on the boat "Tropic Vista" near Islamorada, Monroe County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Becky Herrin said.
Smirnov's dive buddy, Alexei Elinson, 35, also of Massachusetts, said they were diving in approximately 40 feet of water at Crocker Reef late Sunday afternoon. Elinson said they surfaced to check the location of the vessel and realized they needed to return.
Elinson told authorities when they began swimming, he got ahead of Smirnov and lost contact with her. He then realized he was too far from the boat to make it on his own.
The dive boat reported two missing divers Sunday and a search was conducted by the Coast Guard, officers from the Fish and Wildlife Commission and the sheriff's helicopter.
Elinson was found floating in good condition. Authorities said there was no sign of Smirnov.
The team returned to the area Monday to resume its search.
AP-ES-11-10-03 1305EST
This story can be found at: http://ap.tbo.com/ap/florida/MGA7MZUTUMD.html
Diver Missing in the Florida Keys
The Associated Press
ISLAMORADA, Fla. (AP) - Authorities were searching for a diver Monday who was reported missing off the coast of the Florida Keys.
Tatyana Smirnov, 29, of Framingham, Mass., did not return from a dive Sunday after an excursion with 12 others on the boat "Tropic Vista" near Islamorada, Monroe County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Becky Herrin said.
Smirnov's dive buddy, Alexei Elinson, 35, also of Massachusetts, said they were diving in approximately 40 feet of water at Crocker Reef late Sunday afternoon. Elinson said they surfaced to check the location of the vessel and realized they needed to return.
Elinson told authorities when they began swimming, he got ahead of Smirnov and lost contact with her. He then realized he was too far from the boat to make it on his own.
The dive boat reported two missing divers Sunday and a search was conducted by the Coast Guard, officers from the Fish and Wildlife Commission and the sheriff's helicopter.
Elinson was found floating in good condition. Authorities said there was no sign of Smirnov.
The team returned to the area Monday to resume its search.
AP-ES-11-10-03 1305EST
This story can be found at: http://ap.tbo.com/ap/florida/MGA7MZUTUMD.html