Several agencies searched unsuccessfully Monday afternoon and evening for a missing diver between the bridges at Bahia Honda State Park.

The man was reported missing at 2:48 p.m., according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office Web site.

He is a 49-year-old man from Loxahatchee, said Officer Steve Acton, a spokesman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The man, whose name was not available late Monday, had reportedly boarded a large vessel, took off his dive tanks and then remembered he left his diver down flag in the water. He apparently jumped back in — with his weight belt still attached, Acton said. He apparently has not been seen since.

In addition to the Fish and Wildlife Commission, divers from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office dive team, the Coast Guard and the Sheriff's Office TraumaStar helicopter, along with several civilians, attempted to locate the man.

TraumaStar pilots returned to the Sheriff's Office hangar about 6 p.m. and were expected to return to the air Tuesday to resume searching for the man. The Coast Guard, Fish and Wildlife officers and Sheriff's Office personnel searched until Monday evening.

http://keysnews.com/ Followup story on 728/05

Submitted on 07/28/2005

Submitted by:
Reference: Key West Citizen 7/26/05

Copyright © 2005 DarwinAwards.com

Charles said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
Simple oversight, perhaps... though one presumes that he could take his weight belt off even underwater?

Jack said:
Maybe Toss: Other
Not enough information to make a valid determination. Please keep us posted.

Kelly said:
Definitely Toss: Other
I can see him forgetting he had his weights on. I have to call this an accident. I doubt he jumped back into the water with the weights on, on purpose.

Tracy said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
Jumping back in with a weight belt? Oops, a serious diver would know not to do that

Greg said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
I found confirmation of this story and more details in other publications - he was found a few weeks later by a lobster hunter in 25 feet of water. The story is identical. It is puzzling that he couldn't remove the belt, but I personally think jumping back in the water wearing a diving belt is dumb enough to warrant a Darwin. I've worn one and it's difficult to forget you're wearing it - they're VERY heavy!

The Darwin Awards Gift Shop

The Darwin Awards Condom Keep yourself out of the gene pool! A condom in a matchbook, useful for emergency contraception, bachelor parties, frat parties, and important rites of passage. LOADED inside and out with funny quotes and stories. Everyone loves this item! Friends don't let friends reproduce! $13 for Pack of 4