anchochile
Contributor
Search for missing diver off Monterey County coast suspended
Authorities suspended a search for a 27-year-old diver who disappeared in rough waters near Monterey.
www.cbsnews.com
MONTEREY COUNTY – The US Coast Guard and other first responders continued a maritime search for a missing diver off of Fanshell Beach in Monterey County on Sunday, according to a Coast Guard spokesman.
The 27-year-old diver was reported missing by other divers who had been caught in a riptide off of the beach on Saturday afternoon. The three others were able to make it to shore but one remained missing at 3:50 p.m., according to a statement from the Coast Guard.
The search was ongoing as of 7:50 a.m. Sunday, with additional air units being activated later in the day, according to US Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew West.
The diver is described as 5-feet-9-inches tall, about 170 pounds, wearing a black wetsuit. Anyone in the area is encouraged to call the Coast Guard Sector San Francisco command center at (415)-399-3547.
Coast Guard Station Monterey alerted Sector San Francisco to the emergency, which in turn coordinated with regional partners. Equipment activated in the search includes 65-foot dolphin helicopter aircrews, 47-foot motor lifeboat crews, a US Navy MH-60S Seahawk helicopter crew from Naval Air Station Lemoore, and rescue crews and equipment from Monterey County.
And also this from a public Facebook group for local divers:
[Name redacted due to forum rules], is currently lost at sea. He was diving at Fan Shell beach along 17 Miles Drive. We all surfaced and swam toward shore when he was separated from his group at 3:30 pm. We need all support, experienced divers to continue the search for him. We were not far from the shore when a large wave hit and we did not see him after. We need your help.
The coast guard is aware, helicopters, drones, and all searching. But we need help still, no divers on duty. If you can help in anyway please do not hesitate to contact 3102280093
He was wearing yellow and black fins. 8Mm dive suit. Apple Watch. 5"10 150 lbs.
For those who don't know the local conditions, typical water temperatures are 50-55F, and the news report says the diver was in a wetsuit, not a drysuit.