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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 […]

Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office

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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Joe commented on WordroW: April 3, 2026
“3min 33sec”
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Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: April 3, 2026
“4 min 27 sec”
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“Use part of the $5million to remove the docks that are in an already overcrowded harbor.”
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“Fire hydrants are color coded for the rate of water flow measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Seems like painting the hydrants in artistic color designs would mess up this...”
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“Isn't that going to make that area of waterway too crowded during tourist season ? As is already is!”
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Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: April 1, 2026
“1 min 36 sec”
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“Who authorized the building of the docks?”
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“Hopefully they didn't get their child back. They're lucky the Kiddo survived.”
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“The county needs to walk away gracefully and let Destin handle it.”
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