SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. – The search for a missing diver in Sarasota County has ended in tragedy. Officials confirmed on Sunday afternoon that the diver was found but did not survive. They were pronounced dead at the scene shortly after being located, deputies say.
Earlier in the day, a large rescue operation was launched at Manasota Beach. The diver had entered the water from the shore in the morning and failed to return.
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office led the search, working alongside federal agencies and fire rescue teams to scan the water.
No other information has been released as of yet.
ORIGINAL REPORT: A search is underway in Sarasota County today. Authorities are searching the waters off Manasota Beach for a diver who vanished Sunday afternoon. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office confirmed they are leading the effort, but they are not working alone.
They have called in backup from federal agencies and local fire rescue partners to help cover more ground.
According to officials, the diver started their swim from the shoreline. They went into the water earlier today, but they never came back to the beach.
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As time passes, the search has intensified. Law enforcement has not released the diver’s name or details about the equipment they were using.
Boats and rescue teams are currently in the area trying to locate the individual.
This is a developing story.
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