Gail Smith dies in fatal Manasota Key, Florida diving accident

Gail Smith dies in fatal Manasota Key, Florida diving accident

Fatal Manasota Key, Florida diving accident death of Gail Smith – Obituary

Authorities have confirmed the identity of a man who died while scuba diving off Manasota Key Beach in Florida on Monday as 66-year-old Gail Smith. Smith was reported missing during a planned dive and was later found deceased in the water several hours afterward.

According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, Smith had been diving with his partner, 63-year-old Daniel McAtee, to hunt for prehistoric shark teeth approximately a quarter-mile offshore at a depth of 21 feet. McAtee last saw Smith around 9:30 a.m. when they submerged, with plans to dive for one hour before meeting back on the surface.

After completing his own dive, McAtee was unable to locate Smith and called 911 around 12:15 p.m. Sarasota County lifeguards responded and discovered Smith’s dive tag floating some distance from the planned dive site, indicating it may have drifted due to currents or wind.

A coordinated search was launched by the sheriff’s marine unit and dive team, assisted by the U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and other agencies. Witnesses eventually spotted a body floating around 3:30 p.m., which was recovered and identified as Smith. His next of kin was notified.

Officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the diving accident.