Coast Guard suspends search for missing diver Rob Stewart

News Release

Feb. 3, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Southeast Contact: 7th District Public Affairs Office: (305) 415-6683 After Hours: (786) 367-7649

Coast Guard suspends search for missing diver near Alligator Reef

The search for Rob Stewart off Alligator Reef covered 5,987 square miles

MIAMI — The Coast Guard is scheduled to suspend their 3-day search at sunset Friday for Rob Stewart, who was reported missing while scuba diving Tuesday near Alligator Reef off Islamorada. 

Stewart, 37, from Toronto, was reported missing at 5:13 p.m. Tuesday to the Coast Guard Sector Key West Command Center.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to Mr. Stewart's family and friends, especially his parents Brian and Sandy, and the Canadian community during this very difficult time," said Capt. Jeffrey Janszen, commander Sector Key West. "The decision to suspend a search is always difficult and is made with great care and consideration."

"I'd like to thank all our federal, state and local partners for their resources, personnel and expertise that was necessary to conduct this comprehensive search," Janszen said. "I'd like to also thank all the volunteers who came out to assist us in the search. We were fortunate to have favorable weather conditions these past three days."

The watch standers at Sector Key West Command Center coordinated 27 searches, totaling more than 95 aircraft and surface hours and covering approximately 5,987 square miles – an area larger than the state of Connecticut.

Involved in the search were crews from:

• Coast Guard Air Station Miami
• Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater
• Coast Guard Station Islamorada
• Coast Guard Station Marathon
• Coast Guard Cutter Charles Sexton
• Coast Guard Cutter Richard Etheridge
• Coast Guard Cutter Raymond Evans
• U.S. Naval Station Key West
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
• Islamorada Fire Rescue
• Volunteer pilots, boaters and scuba divers

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