The search for a missing diver in Florida has been suspended after he disappeared while free diving during an exploration trip to a World War II-era shipwreck off the coast Sunday, the U.S. Coast Guard announced. The missing diver was identified as Virgil Price, a West Palm Beach resident. Price was free diving in the area of the Halsey shipwreck when he failed to resurface after his last known dive, according to the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office. Despite efforts by authorities and the Coast Guard, Price remained missing until a body was recovered, which did not match his description.
The Florida Freedivers expressed condolences for their team member, Virgil Price, who went missing during the diving trip. An official announcement was made by the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office confirming the recovery of a body that did not correspond to the missing diver, adding that the U.S. Coast Guard would lead the investigation to determine the cause and time of death. The decision to suspend the search for Price was made by the Coast Guard after extensive efforts covering over 1,415 miles over 36 hours. Price was known for his passion for exploring the ocean and never diving alone, always surrounded by other divers.
Christian Daehler, a close friend of Price and former coworker, described Price as a dedicated and passionate free diver who enjoyed exploring the ocean more than anyone he had ever met. Daehler shared that Price was a member of Team USA for free divers and was set to compete in various competitions around the world. Price’s disappearance was described by Daehler as devastating and heartbreaking, given his immense impact on the diving community in Florida. Price was known for his skills in free diving as well as his mentorship and coaching of other divers.
The suspension of the search for Virgil Price following the recovery of a body that did not match his description marked a tragic end to the search efforts. The U.S. Coast Guard extended their condolences to Price’s family after concluding their search efforts, leaving unanswered questions about the circumstances of his disappearance. Price’s absence was deeply felt by those who knew him, with Daehler highlighting Price’s positive influence on the diving community and his reputation as one of the best free divers in Florida.
The tragedy of Price’s disappearance while diving off the coast of Florida served as a reminder of the risks involved in such exploration activities. The search efforts conducted by authorities and the Coast Guard underscored the challenges of locating a missing diver in the vast expanses of the ocean. Price’s passion for free diving and his dedication to sharing his knowledge and skills with others left a lasting impact on those who knew him, as they grappled with the loss of a talented and beloved member of the diving community.
As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Virgil Price’s disappearance continued, his friends, family, and colleagues mourned his loss and remembered his contributions to the sport of free diving. Price’s absence left a void in the community, with his legacy as a skilled and respected diver living on in the memories of those who had the privilege of diving with him. The tragic outcome of the search for Price highlighted the dangers inherent in diving expeditions, prompting reflection on the need for safety precautions and vigilance in such activities to prevent future losses in the diving community.
