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OCSO Dive Team recovers body of missing free diver off coast of Destin

On Wednesday, members of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team recovered the body of a missing free diver off the coast of Destin. The experienced free diver was spearfishing on a dive site called Mack’s Reef, about two miles southwest of the Destin Pass Wednesday afternoon. Witnesses say he went down and never resurfaced. […]

Jared Williams

On Wednesday, members of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team recovered the body of a missing free diver off the coast of Destin.

The experienced free diver was spearfishing on a dive site called Mack’s Reef, about two miles southwest of the Destin Pass Wednesday afternoon.

Witnesses say he went down and never resurfaced.

The U.S. Coast Guard, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, and Eglin Security Forces all had assets on scene yesterday until nightfall to assist in the search.

OCSO Dive Team members located the man’s spear gun but no one was found nearby. Efforts resumed again early this morning and OCSO Dive Team members found the 31-year old man’s body in about 75 feet of water near the reef.

There were no signs of trauma. An autopsy will be conducted.

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