In Reply to: missing diver found posted by on August 17, 2006 at 10:37:14:

On second day of searching, rescue team finds body of 40-year-old man outside breakwater of Los Angeles Harbor.

The body of a missing diver was found today near the area where he had been diving outside the breakwater of the Los Angeles Harbor.

The diver was identified as 40-year-old Mahatma Robles, said Craig Harvey of the coroner's office. Robles' body was discovered about 10 a.m., said U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Nathan Henise.

An autopsy will be conducted, Henise said. The diver was reported missing outside the breakwater at 2:12 p.m. Wednesday. The search was called off for the day about 6 p.m., but resumed at 7 a.m. today.

The diver was on a recreational dive off a 50-foot fishing boat, the San Pedro-based Salty V, which had been customized for diving. The destination of the dive was the wreckage of a boat known to area divers.

Divers from the Sheriff's Department, Los Angeles city Fire Department and county lifeguards scoured the water about 3½ miles outside the San Pedro breakwater, city fire spokesman Brian Ballton said.

Helicopters searched from the air.

The diver was reported missing shortly after 1 p.m. He, along with three other divers, went underwater earlier from the PSalty V, reportedly to examine wreckage below the surface.

Only three returned.

The U.S. Coast Guard initially responded to the call with a helicopter and a 25-foot response boat. The Coast Guard said it cordoned off a 1,000-yard zone around the search area.

The Fire Department sent three boats, two helicopters and a paramedic ambulance.

Boats and air assistance were supplied by the other agencies.

• Daily Breeze article

• Condolences to his family/friends ... Diver Z 18:20:58 08/17/06 (0)