Search for Diver Continues at Port of Long Beach
Authorities continued the search Friday for a 28-year-old firefighter who disappeared in the water at the Port of Long Beach.
Search Effort Underway
The search, now considered a recovery effort, began before 10 p.m. Wednesday near the 1200 block of Pier F Avenue. The off-duty firefighter was one of four men on a private boat near Pier F Wednesday night were freediving, which is a type of diving that doesn’t require scuba gear.
Identification of Missing Diver
The missing diver was identified only as a 28-year-old man who had been with the Los Angeles Fire Department for six years.
Search Operations
“As in-water operations continued tirelessly for more than 19 hours, the survivability profile of the diver and decreased visibility made it difficult to sustain prolonged search operations,” the LAFD said in a Thursday statement. “Based on these factors and the extended time since the diver was last seen, the decision was made Thursday evening by Unified Command to transition from a search and rescue mission to a recovery operation.
Search Continues
The search will continue in the area the firefighter was last seen.
Participating Agencies
Involved in the search effort were personnel from the LAFD, the Long Beach Fire Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the Los Angeles Port Police Department and the Long Beach Police Department.
Conclusion
The search for the missing firefighter continues, and authorities are working tirelessly to recover the body. The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as more information becomes available.
FAQs
Q: What is freediving?
A: Freediving is a type of diving that doesn’t require scuba gear. It involves holding one’s breath and descending to great depths in the water.
Q: How long did the search effort take?
A: The search effort began at 10 p.m. Wednesday and continued for over 19 hours before being transitioned to a recovery operation.
Q: Which agencies are involved in the search effort?
A: The LAFD, Long Beach Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard, Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles Port Police Department, and Long Beach Police Department are all involved in the search effort.
Q: What is the current status of the search?
A: The search has transitioned from a search and rescue mission to a recovery operation, and authorities are working to recover the body of the missing firefighter.
