MIAMI \u2014 A Coast Guard Station Islamorada boat crew rescued an overdue diver, Saturday, after he was reported missing from a dive vessel 5 miles off John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo.<\/p>\n
The Station Islamorada boat crew located the diver within the initial search area and transported him to emergency medical services at Garden Cove Marina in stable condition.<\/p>\n
Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders received a report from the crew of the dive vessel Island Hopper at approximately 11:45 a.m., that a 45-year-old male had failed to return to the surface approximately 15 minutes after his scheduled resurfacing time.<\/p>\n
Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and directed the launch of a Station Islamorada boat crew to search. A Coast Guard Air Station Miami helicopter crew and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission air and surface crews also responded.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe diver was successfully located because he was equipped with a delayed surface marker buoy, which enabled us to identify his position approximately one-quarter mile away,\u201d said Petty Officer 2nd Class Damian Burnham, a Station Islamorada boat crew member. \u201cThis incident underscores the importance of carrying a DSMB while scuba diving, as it significantly enhances a diver’s visibility at the surface and can greatly improve the speed and effectiveness of locating a diver.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Coast Guard encourages divers to carry emergency signaling equipment, remain in communication with their vessel, and ensure someone ashore is aware of their dive plan before getting underway.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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