The U.S. Coast Guard 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.

Rescue Efforts

The Station Islamorada boat crew located the diver within the initial search area and took him to emergency medical services at Garden Cove Marina in stable condition.

Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders received a report from the crew of the dive vessel Island Hopper at approximately 11:45 a.m. A 45-year-old man had failed to return to the surface approximately 15 minutes after his scheduled resurfacing time.

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.

According to Petty Officer 2nd Class Damian Burnham, a Station Islamorada boat crew member, the diver was successfully located because he was equipped with a delayed surface marker buoy, which enabled the crew to identify his position approximately one-quarter mile away.

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.

Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.