Search For Missing Diver Near Laguna Beach Ends Sunday

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — The search for a diver, lost off the coast of Crystal Cove State Beach, was suspended at sunset, Sunday evening.

The Coast Guard and local partner agencies began their search for a diver after he was reported missing Saturday at 9:45 p.m., near Laguna Beach.

"The diver is reported to be a 35 year-old-man last seen wearing a camouflage wet suit in the vicinity of Crystal Cove State Park," a U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson reported.

The diver was not identified, according to authorities.

The missing man's dive partner contacted the Laguna Beach Fire Department who relayed the call to the Coast Guard stating the diver had gone missing.

Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach launched a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Los Angeles-Long Beach, and an MH-65 Dolphin Helicopter crew from Air Station San Francisco Forward Operating Base Mugu, according to the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard Cutter Blackfin was also diverted to the scene. The overall search covered 138 square nautical miles, according to Petty Officer Third Class Aidan Cooney.

California State Parks, Orange County Sheriffs Department, and Laguna Beach Lifeguards assisted in the search throughout the night and morning hours.

Coast Guard air and surface assets remain on scene conducting search and rescue operations.