Diver missing in Gulf 7/8/11

[Hetland]

Diver missing in Gulf 7/8/11

Coast Guard Mobile searching for missing diver in Gulf off Alabama coast | al.com

MOBILE, Alabama -- U.S. Coast Guard officials are searching today for a diver reported missing in the Gulf of Mexico, about 40 miles off the Alabama coast, officials said in a news release.

Aircraft and crew from the Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile, a helicopter and crew from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans and the 87-foot Coast Guard cutter Cobia are taking part in the search, officials said.

Officials at Coast Guard Sector Mobile received a call via about 9:30 a.m., from the captain of a 33-foot recreational vessel who reported that a 54-year-old male diver was missing. He was reported to be wearing a black dive suit, officials said.

 

[DocCarl]

Not good.

Here's hoping that they find him soon, and all ends well.

Carl

 

[Hetland]

He's a spearfisherman, probably taking part in the tournament this weekend. Missing diver's identity has been published, but I don't think he's a scubaboarder, so I'll wait before posting anything. Crossing my fingers and toes in hopes that he is okay.

 

[Native Spear-It]

Very sad.

 

[ROMO DIVER]

Actually a very experienced spearfisherman and longtime diver. Yes, he was participating in the Open this weekend. I hated to hear this today!!

 

[gvdscuba]

Very sad. Prayers with family.
Coast Guard Suspends Search For Missing Diver | ORANGE BEACH, Alabama

 

[Hetland]

So unofficially, I've heard that the diver surfaced in distress, and went back under. The Coast Guard has suspended it's search.

We won't ever know if this was a medical, or if it was spearfishing related, or something else entirely, but IF it was spearfishing related, then this will be the second diver lost while hunting in the last few months in our area. What hasn't made it to scubaboard, are the multiple reports of hunters going OOA that I have heard about in our area this year.

Please remember to watch your gauges and dive your plan. Nothing in the Gulf is worth losing your life over.

 

[Puffer Fish]

If the report is correct and they were 40 miles off shore (not that I would believe much that is printed about accidents), that is great spear fishing, and fairly deep. (rigs? Hard Bottom?) That can be a very deadly combination. Over the years, I've known 8 diver to not make it back from that sort of diving. Sad though.