Coast Guard Searching for Divers Lost at Sea
Divers Missing After 90 Minutes in the Water
The Coast Guard is currently searching for two divers who have been missing for over 90 minutes after they failed to resurface during a dive off the coast of Southern California.
The divers, identified as 32-year-old John Smith and 35-year-old Jane Doe, were reported missing by their dive boat captain at approximately 4:30 PM PST on Sunday, August 20th.
According to the dive boat captain, Smith and Doe entered the water at approximately 3:00 PM PST and were scheduled to resurface 90 minutes later.
Extensive Search Efforts Underway
The Coast Guard has dispatched multiple assets to search for the missing divers, including a helicopter, a fixed-wing aircraft, and several boats. The search is being conducted in an area approximately 10 miles off the coast of Catalina Island.
The Coast Guard is urging anyone who may have seen Smith or Doe in the water to contact the Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach at (310) 521-3801.
Dive Safety Reminders
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of dive safety. Divers should always follow these safety guidelines:
- Never dive alone.
- Always inform someone of your dive plan, including your dive location, dive time, and expected return time.
- Check the weather forecast before diving and be aware of any potential hazards.
- Dive within your limits and be aware of your air supply.
- Use a dive flag or buoy to mark your location while diving.
- Carry a whistle or other signaling device in case of an emergency.
By following these safety guidelines, divers can help to reduce the risk of accidents and emergencies.