Missing diver found dead off Manasota Key Beach, investigation ongoing

MANASOTA KEY, Fla. — A diving trip off Manasota Key Beach took a tragic turn when a diver was found dead after going missing on Sunday.

"It was a great day; I found a ton of shark teeth," said Megan Harrison, a bystander. "We were just hanging out on the beach, and then all of a sudden, it's just, it turns so dark, so quickly."

According to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, Daniel McAtee, 63, called 911 at around 12:12 p.m. after losing sight of his dive partner, 66-year-old Gail Smith. They had planned to search for shark's teeth at a depth of 21 feet, about a quarter mile from the shore.

The two had submerged around 9:30 a.m. with plans to meet after an hour. However, McAtee became concerned when he could not find Smith upon resurfacing. 

Lifeguards found Smith's dive flag far from where he was last seen, possibly moved by currents or wind.

"The lifeguard paddled back in, and then a few minutes later, they put up the red flag and called everybody out of the water," said Harrison. "And that's when we knew something was going on, but no idea what."

A massive search effort followed, involving multiple agencies including the Sarasota Sheriff's Office Marine Unit and dive team, the U.S. Coast Guard and several local fire and police departments. A Coast Guard helicopter and aircraft also assisted.

"But it was, of course, the worst outcome," said Harrison. "And it was, it was really like jarring to be there to know how that could just happen so easily and so quickly and just a moment on a normal day, on a normal Sunday, normal afternoon at the beach, and something like that happens."

Smith was discovered by bystanders at around 3:28 p.m. near 8438 Manasota Key Road. Rescue personnel confirmed his identity, and he was pronounced dead at the scene; his family was notified.

"I feel so sorry for his family and his loved ones and whoever was with him yesterday, having to wait and endure that and experience that," Harrison said.

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident with assistance from the Medical Examiner’s Office. The case remains active.