A father-and-son diving trip off Florida’s Franklin County ended in tragedy Friday evening when the boy failed to resurface, triggering an hours-long search that ended with the recovery of his body.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said the pair had been diving south of Alligator Point on July 3 when the teenager became distressed and did not return to the surface. The alarm was raised soon after, prompting a coordinated response from the FWC, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
Search crews deployed vessels, dive teams, helicopters, and a Coast Guard aircraft, concentrating efforts near Dog Island. The search continued for several hours before rescuers located the boy’s body at approximately 9:30 p.m.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not released his identity.
The FWC confirmed the investigation is still active, with officials expected to review the equipment used, environmental conditions, and witness accounts as part of the standard process for recreational diving fatalities.
In a statement, the FWC said its thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of the victim during this difficult time.
Diventures Magazine will continue to follow this story and update it as new information becomes available.
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