Diver Found In Long Beach Identified By Authorities

LONG BEACH, CA – Authorities Tuesday identified a diver whose body was found in the ocean off Long Beach last weekend following a dive accident.

The body was discovered in more than 200 feet below the surface near an oil platform about 7:40 a.m. Sunday, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

The man was identified as Henry Cook, 55, of the San Diego County community of Poway, according to the coroner's office. An autopsy was pending.

Cook's body was found by a sheriff's Special Enforcement Detail deep dive cadre using an underwater remotely operated vehicle, said Deputy Joe Gordon of the Sheriff's Information Bureau.

Two other divers were injured in the accident, a Los Angeles County Fire Department dispatcher said. One was released and the other was taken to the hyperbaric chamber at Two Harbors, on Catalina Island, for treatment.

The incident was near Platform Elly, about 7-1/2 miles off the coast of Long Beach, at about 12:30 p.m. Saturday, according to the USCG.

Cook went into an uncontrolled descent in water about 270 feet deep. The agency was notified by a crew member aboard a commercial dive vessel.

Two other divers were injured in the accident, a Los Angeles County Fire Department dispatcher said. One was released and the other was taken to the hyperbaric chamber at Two Harbors, on Santa Catalina Island, for treatment.

A search was mounted, but it was suspended at sunset Saturday, said U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Mark Braney.

City News Service; Image via Shutterstock