Coast Guard, partner agencies suspend search for missing diver off Mayport
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Coast Guard has suspended the search, Tuesday, for Timothy Obi, a 37-year-old male diver who went missing Saturday approximately 46 miles east of Mayport.
Diving equipment matching the description of Obi was located by a diver Tuesday at approximately 1 p.m. about 250 yards from the original dive location.
The Coast Guard and mission partners searched more than 3,800 square nautical miles for approximately 89 hours.
On Saturday, the dive vessel, Pole Dancer, notified Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville watchstanders at approximately 12:15 p.m., that Obi went missing while diving.
A Station Mayport rescue crew and an Air Station Savannah helicopter crew launched. Naval Station Mayport-based USS Lassen assisted with the search and relayed communications to the watchstanders. Searching continued for more than three days by multiple agencies both on and below the surface of the water.
“This afternoon I have made the determination based on new information to suspend the search for Mr. Timothy Obi. The Coast Guard and our partners extend our deepest condolences to the Obi family, who remain our thoughts and prayers during this exceptionally difficult time. Earlier today, the Coast Guard received a report from a volunteer dive boat indicating they had located damaged diving gear. The Obi family confirmed that the gear belonged to Mr. Timothy Obi. The location and condition of the gear are consistent with a suspected encounter with a marine predator.
I am incredibly thankful for the outpouring of support in the Jacksonville community and for the hundreds of volunteers who took to the air and sea throughout this search effort. I am indebted to our many mission partners: Florida Fish and Wildlife, Customs and Border Patrol Air and Marine Operations, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Naval Air Station Jacksonville, and USS LASSEN. The Obi family has asked the public and media to respect their privacy while the family grieves their loss, and to direct all questions and inquiries to the United States Coast Guard,” said Capt. Mark Vlaun, Commander, Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville.”
Coast Guard assets involved in the search:
- MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Air Station Savannah
- HC-130 Hercules airplane aircrew from Air Station Clearwater
- HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane aircrew from Air Station Miami
- A 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Station Mayport
- Coast Guard Cutter Tarpon
- Coast Guard Cutter Raymond Evans
Broadcast Version For Maritime Mobile Service Network and Other Nets
The US Coast Guard and family of a missing diver is asking for help with the search for Timothy Obi.
USCG Jacksonville has given out a search grid. The currents are approx 2 mph S to N.
USCG is advising to search from furthest northern point working to the South.
30 50.458W & 081 13.392W
30 50.458W & 080 51.015W
30 31.189N & 080 51.098W
Use VHF Ch 16 to communicate with USCG if you’re joining the search.
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville
17h #update The U.S. Coast Guard is continuing an active surface search for Timothy Obi with a C-130 Aircraft from Clearwater, a C-144 Aircraft from Miami, CGC TARPON and MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife . Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department and Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office are conducting underwater searching with side scan sonar in the vicinity of the dive site. The Coast Guard has established two additional search areas to the west of the dive site for volunteer boaters or aircraft in the area.
All boaters are asked to be on the lookout for a dive flag and inflatable buoy that Mr. Obi has with him.
Those assisting in the search are also reminded to stay within the capability of their boat and crew, bring required safety equipment including lifejackets and be mindful of changing weather conditions.
The Coast Guard and family of a missing diver is asking for help with the search for Timothy Obi.
He was last seen while spearfishing at these coordinates: N 30º28.796′ — W 80º28.228′, which are about 46 miles off Mayport, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
DAY 2- Coast Guard, JSO & JFRD searching for diver Timothy Obi off coast of Mayport. Using plane and boats, asking for volunteers.
DETAILS/ COORDINATES:
https://www.news4jax.com/…/search-underway-for-missing…/
If you’re in the Jacksonville, FL area and you have a boat that can go offshore, please head to the below area. This is the last known coordinates of my brother, Timmy Obi. He is missing after diving. Please bring him home to us, his wife, and his three boys. Please share this.
UPDATE AM 7/11/21:
Use VHF Ch 16 to communicate with USCG if you’re joining the search.
USCG Jax has given out a search grid. The currents are approx 2 mph S to N.
USCG is advising to search from furthest northern point working to the South.
30 50.458W
081 13.392W
30 50.458W
080 51.015W
30 31.189N
80 51.098W
