UPDATE Jan. 26:
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has released more information about what led up to the death of a diver.
Deputies said they got a call around 12:12 p.m. from another diver who said their dive partner was missing. They said they were planning to search for shark's teeth about 21 feet down and a quarter mile south from shore.
The caller said they last saw their partner around 9:30 a.m. when they initially submerged.
"There was no plan to stay together in visual contact or to use a tether outside of the rough compass heading and planned deepest dive depth," the sheriff's office said.
After searching the area when the person didn't find the diver, that's when they called 911.
The sheriff's office said the lifeguards later found the missing diver's dive flag a "significant distance" from where he was last seen, suggesting it may have been carried away by the current or wind.
"The flag was retrieved and was not attached to anything," the sheriff's office said.
Local, state and federal agencies searched for the diver from the water and air.
Ar around 3:28 p.m., people on shore said the diver's body was floating in the water behind 8438 Manasota Key Road, and they pulled him to shore.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident. The diver's name has not been released.
ORIGINAL STORY:
The Sarasota Sheriff's Office says a 66-year-old diver was found dead Sunday afternoon, off the coast of Englewood.
Investigators say the diver left from Manasota Beach at about 9:30 in the morning.
By noon, the diver had not returned to shore, so his friend called for help, according to the Englewood Area Fire Control District.
For about three hours crews searched for the man from the land, sea, and air; including members of the EFD, U.S. Coast Guard, Venice Fire Dept, Venice Police Dept, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, Sarasota County Fire Dept, Sarasota Police Dept, and the FWC.
In a social media post, the Englewood Area Fire Control District said, 'We extend our deepest condolences to the diver’s family and friends during this difficult time.'
At this point in the investigation, the sheriff's office has not released any information about the diver.
This is a developing story. We will update it with new information, as soon as it is available.
