Coast Guard Suspends Search for Diver Who Went Missing Off Key Biscayne

Jeffrey Vincent went missing Sunday during dive trip

The Coast Guard suspended its search for a diver went missing off Key Biscayne Sunday, the agency said Wednesday.

Jeffrey Vincent, 39, was last seen three and a half miles east of Key Biscayne at the Princess Britney dive site when he tried to assist another diver, authorities said.

The current quickly pushed Vincent away from the boat and out of sight of the other people on board. He was wearing all of his safety equipment except for his flippers, authorities said.

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Authorities have been searching for Vincent since Sunday. A 33-foot Coast Guard rescue boat and MH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter were sent from Coast Guard Station Miami Beach to search for the man, with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Miami-Dade Marine Patrol, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and Miami-Dade Air Rescue assisting in the search.

The extensive search covered 2,600 square nautical miles.

"It is difficult to suspend search efforts for a missing person at sea," said Capt. Chris Scraba, Coast Guard Sector Miami commander. "We would like to extend our sympathies to the families and friends affected by his disappearance."

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