Rescuers search for missing diver in Monterey County

The US Coast Guard and other first responders continued an offshore search for the missing diver off Fanshell Beach in Monterey County on Sunday, a Coast Guard spokesman said.

The 27-year-old diver was reported missing by other divers who got caught in a whirlpool offshore on Saturday afternoon. Three others managed to make it to shore, but one went missing at 3:50 p.m., according to a Coast Guard statement.

According to US Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew West, the search continued as of 7:50 a.m. Sunday, with additional air units deployed later that day.

The diver is described as being 5 feet 9 inches tall, about 170 pounds, wearing a black diving suit. Anyone in the area is advised to call the San Francisco Coast Guard Sector Command Center at (415)-399-3547.

Coast Guard Station Monterey alerted the San Francisco Sector of the emergency, which in turn coordinated with regional partners.

The equipment involved in the search includes crews of 65-foot Dolphin helicopters, crews of 47-foot motorized lifeboats, the crew of a US Navy MH-60S Seahawk helicopter from Naval Air Station Lemur, and rescue crews and equipment from Monterey County.