A tragic incident unfolded off our coast Friday morning when an 80-year-old diver died following a medical emergency during a dive near Barnegat Light.
The dive boat Dina Dee reported the emergency at approximately 10:48 a.m. Friday, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The elderly passenger had surfaced from the dive unresponsive, prompting the boat's crew to immediately begin CPR.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay quickly deployed a boat and response crew to the scene. Once Coast Guard personnel arrived, they escorted the dive boat to emergency services waiting at Lighthouse Marina, Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew West of Coast Guard Public Affairs Detachment Baltimore told NJ.com.
Despite the crew's life-saving efforts and the rapid Coast Guard response, a medical examiner pronounced the diver dead at the marina.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the diver. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with diving, even for experienced enthusiasts who continue pursuing the sport into their later years.
Barnegat Light, located at the northern tip of Long Beach Island, is a popular destination for recreational diving due to the numerous shipwrecks and marine life in the surrounding waters.
About the Author
Karen Johnson
With over 30 years of news experience in major markets like Los Angeles, Denver, and Columbus, Karen now covers our area for South Jersey NewsBeat. She also brings her articulate and conversational news delivery to WOND radio listeners every weekday. Her background includes work with the NBC Radio Network, and she thrives in fast-paced news environments.
