VERO BEACH, Florida (2 August 2008) — The U.S. Coast Guard called off its search for a diver who disappeared off Vero Beach. Ronald Stefens, 63, of Jensen Beach, Florida, went missing at about 10:00am on Thursday while diving with friends about 12 miles east of Vero Beach. The Coast Guard responded to a call for help from fellow divers at about 11:00am. Rescue personnel from various agencies assisted in the search including: The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Thetis, a 270-foot medium endurance cutter homeported in Key West, Fla. A 47-foot Utility boat crew from Station Fort Pierce, Fla.A 33-foot Special Purpose Law Enforcement boat crew from Station Fort PierceTwo HH-65 Dolphin helicopter crews from Air Station MiamiAn HU-25 Falcon jet crew from Air Station MiamiA C-130 Hercules fixed-wing aircraft crew from Air Station Clearwater, Fla.An HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station ClearwaterA Coast Guard Auxiliary aircraft crew from Vero BeachA P-3 Orion aircrew from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla. | | Ronald Stefens was one of five divers who died during Florida's annual 2-day lobster hunt, which celebrates the lethal combination of beer, obesity, greed and scuba diving. "Lobster mini-season brings numerous participants, and unfortunately, incidents occur resulting in the unnecessary loss of life," said Rear Adm. Steve Branham, Seventh Coast Guard District commander. "The Coast Guard strives for all mariners, including recreational divers and snorkelers, to be safe and aware of their environment." |
