KEY WEST, Fla. — The Coast Guard and partner agencies continue searching for a 73-year-old female diver who was reported missing approximately seven miles south of Summerland Key on Tuesday afternoon.
Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders received a call at approximately 12:30 p.m. Tuesday from the woman's husband aboard the vessel, Mai Tai, stating that his wife went missing while diving with him. Watchstanders launched a Coast Guard Station Marathon 33-foot Special Purpose Craft—Law Enforcement crew, Coast Guard Station Key West 45-foot Response Boat—Medium crew, Coast Guard Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Raymond Evans (WPC-1110) crew to the scene to assist.
“This is a multi-agency effort and crews are searching diligently to locate the missing diver," said Capt. Adam Chamie, commander of Sector Key West. "We have been searching around the clock with a truly all-hands on deck effort.”
Assets currently searching include Coast Guard small boats from Station Key West, Coast Guard Cutters Raymond Evans and Tarpon, Coast Guard and Navy helicopters, fixed-wing Coast Guard aircraft, as well as dive teams from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Monroe County Sheriff's Office, and Army Special Forces Underwater Operations School.
In total, assets have searched an area spanning 187 square miles.
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