Coast Guard Details Events Leading Up to Recovery of Missing Diver

The ABDF Coast Guard regretfully announces the recovery of the body of a 19-year-old diver who was last seen in the vicinity of Long Island. At approximately 12:35 p.m. on Friday, 13th February 2026, the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard (ABDF CG) received a report that two individuals, aged 33 and 19, were engaged in free diving in the vicinity of Long Island.

The younger of the two reportedly failed to resurface and had not been seen since.

Upon receipt of the report, the Coast Guard immediately broadcast an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast (UMIB) on VHF Channel 16, requesting assistance from vessels operating in the area.

A Coast Guard vessel was also deployed with the dive team and arrived on scene at approximately 3:09 p.m., where a search was conducted above and below the water for the missing diver.

The coordinated search by the Coast Guard was supported by two vessels from Antigua and Barbuda Search and Rescue (ABSAR), along with the vessels Sting Ray City 4 and Sting Ray City 6.

Additional assistance was provided by Jumby Bay vessels and local fishing vessels SCIENCE, MICHAEL, and MY BRITNEY.

At approximately 5:50 p.m., the search was suspended due to low visibility and resumed at first light today. During the search at first light, the body was found at 0905 hrs, approximately 0.3 miles northeast of Long Island.

The body was recovered and transported to Coast Guard Headquarters, where District Doctor Gore pronounced death at 10:39 a.m.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family at this time.

The safety of life at sea remains a priority of the ABDF Coast Guard, and we strongly urge all mariners, divers, and recreational users to exercise extreme caution and adhere to established safety practices and standards while using our beaches or operating at sea.

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