A 45-year-old diver who went missing on Saturday while exploring the reefs near Key Largo was found alive by the U.S. Coast Guard. The successful rescue was facilitated by a small safety device that quickly pinpointed his location in the waters of the Florida Keys.
The emergency unfolded around 11:45 a.m. when the crew of the dive boat Island Hopper alerted the Coast Guard's Key West Sector that the diver had not resurfaced 15 minutes past his expected return time, according to their website.
The diver was approximately five miles off the coast of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, one of Florida's most popular diving destinations.
Upon receiving the alert, the Coast Guard issued an urgent marine notice and dispatched a vessel from its Islamorada Station. The search effort was bolstered by a helicopter from the Miami Air Station and additional aerial and maritime resources from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
The search concluded shortly thereafter when the Islamorada crew located the diver within the initial search area and transported him in stable condition to emergency medical services at Garden Cove Marina in Key Largo.
The Critical Role of the DSMB
According to the Coast Guard, the rescue was made possible because the diver was equipped with a delayed surface marker buoy (DSMB), a safety device deployed underwater that signals the diver's position before resurfacing.
“The diver was successfully located thanks to his delayed surface marker buoy, which allowed us to identify his position about a quarter-mile away,” explained Petty Officer Second Class Damian Burnham from the Islamorada Station.
Officer Burnham emphasized that such equipment can significantly reduce search times and boost the chances of a successful rescue.
“This incident highlights the importance of carrying a delayed surface marker buoy when diving, as it greatly enhances the diver's visibility on the surface and can substantially expedite their location,” he added.
The DSMB is part of the recommended safety gear for divers, consisting of an inflatable buoy that rises to the surface via a line, making it easier for boats and rescue teams to locate the diver.
A Hub of Rescue Activity
The incident occurred within John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, established in 1960 as the first underwater park in the United States. Located in Key Largo, it protects a portion of the country's only living tropical coral reef and attracts thousands of divers each year.
The Islamorada Station, one of the busiest units in the Coast Guard's Seventh District, has been involved in numerous rescue operations throughout 2023. These include aiding a sailor near Cayo Largo, rescuing a 13-year-old girl adrift off Rodriguez Key, and assisting a 71-year-old kayaker trapped in the same area.
Following the operation, the Coast Guard reiterated its recommendations for recreational divers: use emergency signaling devices, maintain communication with support vessels, and ensure that family or friends are aware of the dive plan before heading out to sea.
Understanding Diving Safety Devices
What is a delayed surface marker buoy (DSMB)?
A delayed surface marker buoy (DSMB) is an inflatable device used by divers to signal their position from underwater to the surface, enhancing visibility and aiding in their location.
Why is the DSMB important for divers?
The DSMB is crucial because it significantly improves a diver's visibility on the surface, reducing search times and increasing the likelihood of a successful rescue.
Where did the rescue operation take place?
The rescue operation occurred near John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, located in Key Largo, Florida, within the United States' only living tropical coral reef.