Coast Guard Suspends Search For Missing Diver

Daytona Beach, FL - The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is suspending the search for a diver who went missing 30 miles east of Daytona Beach. A release from the Coast Guard says 50-year-old Jim Evans was reported missing on Friday (September 3). A 28-foot dive vessel notified Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville watchstanders that he went missing while diving just before noon. A Coast Guard Station Ponce de Leon Inlet boatcrew and an Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew were launched following Evans’ disappearance. The search carried on for more than three days and included multiple agencies, both on and below the surface of the water. “This afternoon I have made the decision to suspend the search for Mr. Jim Evans,” said Captain Mark Vlaun, Commander of Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville. “The Coast Guard and our partners extend our deepest condolences to the Evans family, who remain in our thoughts and prayers during this exceptionally difficult time.” The USCG received help from Florida Fish and Wildlife, Customs and Border Patrol, and the sheriff’s offices of Volusia and Seminole counties during the search. Crews searched for approximately 100 hours, covering 5,297 square miles.