Rescue crews continued their search Thursday for a missing diver at the Port of Long Beach who is an off-duty Los Angeles Fire Department firefighter.
The diver, who was identified only as a 28-year-old man, was reported missing at around 9:45 p.m. Wednesday near the 1200 block of Pier F Avenue, according to the LAFD and reports from the scene. He was last seen near Pier J and 1600 S. Harbor Scenic Way.
“Regional public safety agencies are on scene in Unified Command working an incident in which we received reports regarding a missing diver in the Port of Long Beach,” the LAFD said in a statement Thursday confirming the man was an off-duty firefighter.
“He was last seen on Wednesday night, December 4th, when he went recreational diving with friends. He was not involved with any fire department related duties at the time of his disappearance.”
Involved in the search effort were personnel from the LAFD, the Long Beach Fire Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the Los Angeles Port Police Department and the Long Beach Police Department.
“Search operations will continue in and around the area where the diver was last seen,” the LAFD statement said. “The focus of the mission continues on the search for the missing man, and the safety and support of those still actively searching for him. We kindly ask for the public’s patience and understanding as we work to confirm additional information.”
At least two dozen personnel were in the water around midday Thursday conducting the search.
Fire officials said four people were on a boat Wednesday night and three of them went diving. Two of the three people emerged about 45 minutes later and reported the third diver missing.