One diver is dead; the second was rescued after search offshore of the Lower Keys.
The two men were reportedly diving offshore of Boca Chica in the Lower Keys Monday afternoon when they became separated from their boat and drifted away from it. A 17 year old male who stayed on board the boat lost sight of them and called to report them missing at approximately 3:15 p.m.
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Coast Guard searched for the men. The Coast Guard found 70 year old Michael Currie of Key West alive and well and returned him to his boat at approximately 5 p.m. His dive partner, 63 year old Roger Arrowood of Edenton, North Carolina was found a short time later by a good Samaritan floating face down in the water. Arrowood was taken to Lower Keys Hospital, but was pronounced dead.
Sheriff’s Major Crimes detectives are investigating; there is no foul play suspected in the death. The Medical Examiner responded and will be performing an autopsy to determine the cause of Arrowood’s death.