Diver dies during 2-day spiny lobster sport season

Authorities say they’ve recovered the body of a diver who disappeared off Florida’s coast during the state’s annual two-day spiny lobster sport season.

The Sun Sentinel reports that the man went missing Wednesday morning in 60 feet of water off the Hillsboro Inlet, which connects the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean. His body was found several hours later about half a mile off Pompano Beach.

Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Michael Kane says the man had been diving for lobster with three other people. The group returned to their boat, but one man went back in the water alone and never resurfaced.

Multiple agencies used helicopters and boats to search for the man. His name wasn’t immediately released.

The Divers Alert Network says 20 divers have died over the past decade during the two-day lobster seasons.