Rescue divers have made a devastating find during the search for a missing diver.
The discovery was made while the team searched in an underwater labyrinth known as Twin Caves.
Twin Caves in Florida is notorious for its intricate network of tunnels under the surface of the water.
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The caves descend from 20 feet to 100 feet deep, with multiple ‘jump tunnels’ that turn into wider tunnels.
Police were called to the area on Tuesday (March 18) after three people failed to return back on time.
A team of rescue divers took to the caves to find them and were able to safely bring two of the missing people back up to the surface.
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However, a third diver was still missing and tragically was later found deceased.
The diver's death was confirmed by the local Sheriff's office, who thanked Jackson County Fire & Rescue, Florida Fish and Wildlife, and the staff at Cave Adventures for assisting with the rescue.
In the press release, it stated: “On Tuesday, March 18, around 1:15 p.m., a call for service was received notifying the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office of overdue divers at Twin Caves. Immediately, a rescue operation was initiated.
“As a result, two divers made it out of the caves safely. Sadly the operation led to the recovery of a third diver that was deceased.
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“Sheriff Edenfield would like to thank Jackson County Fire & Rescue, Florida Fish and Wildlife, and the staff at Cave Adventures for their assistance. Please keep the families of the divers in your thoughts and prayers.”
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Concerns for the diver’s welfare was first raised by Mehdi Zinetti, diving instructor and manager of Cave Adventures Training, who went into the cave system after the trio failed to return.
Zinetti then contacted Edd Sorenson, an expert cave diver who has assisted in numerous recovery operations, for assistance.
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Praising Zinetti for his bravery in assisting with the rescue operation, Sorenson told local outlet WMBB News 13 that the intricate nature of the cave system meant the divers could have returned safely without being seen. However this wasn't the case.
“He [Zinetti] thought since he had to go multiple directions maybe he missed him and maybe he’s out safe. So he exited and he wasn’t there yet. So he went back in again,” Sorenson explained, adding that disrupted cave sediment meant that rescuers were working in ‘complete zero visibility’.
“So he has to do everything by feel. And he found the victim and he made notes of what he could based on his training. And then he brought the victim out,” he said.