NANTUCKET – The Coast Guard suspended its search Wednesday for a 64-year-old diver who went missing Tuesday while diving near the Andrea Doria wreck, about 60 nautical miles southeast of Nantucket.
“The primary goal of every man and woman who serves in the Coast Guard is to rescue those in need and save lives,” said Marcus Gherardi, chief of response at Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England. “This is why we serve. It is extremely disheartening anytime we are unable to accomplish this goal.”
In total, the Coast Guard searched more than 350 square nautical miles over 30 hours.
Crew aboard the commercial diving boat John Jack notified Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England watchstanders Tuesday at about 1 p.m. reporting the man did not resurface from his dive. An Air Station Cape Cod HC-144 was immediately diverted and on scene within three minutes of the initial report.
Another diver confirmed being with the missing man at their 20-foot decompression stop, then did not see him upon reaching the surface.
In addition to the HC-144 aircrew, crews aboard the 225-foot Coast Guard Cutter Juniper, 87-foot Coast Guard Cutter Chinook, and multiple MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crews from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod searched for the man.
The Andrea Doria wreck rests in 240 feet of water. Diving in the area has resulted in 7 deaths and 4 injuries since 2005.
The ocean is unforgiving. The Coast Guard reminds everyone on the water, whether diving, snorkeling, boating or swimming to stay vigilant, especially in unfamiliar places.
Media release furnished by U.S. Coast Guard
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