A recreational diver from Missouri has died following a wreck dive on the Eagle off the coast of Islamorada in the Florida Keys, according to local authorities.
The diver, identified as Lonnie Lee Higgins, 71, of Columbia, Missouri, began a dive on the well-known wreck site on Friday morning. According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Higgins was later discovered unresponsive on the seabed by an instructor from another dive boat operating at the site.
The instructor recovered Higgins from the wreck and brought him to the surface where CPR was immediately initiated. The diver was then transferred to shore with assistance from the United States Coast Guard and transported to a hospital in Tavernier. Despite rescue efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Authorities say the incident remains under investigation and a medical examiner will determine the cause of death.
A Popular Florida Keys Wreck Dive
The dive took place on the Eagle Wreck, one of the most popular wreck dives in the Upper Florida Keys.
The Eagle is a 287-foot freighter intentionally sunk in 1985 to create an artificial reef. Over the decades it has become a signature wreck dive in the region, attracting experienced recreational divers and underwater photographers.
The wreck lies upright on the seabed in approximately 110 feet (34 metres) of water, placing it firmly within the range typically recommended for advanced divers with appropriate training and experience.
Strong marine growth now covers much of the structure, and the site frequently hosts schools of barracuda, angelfish, jacks and other reef species that patrol the wreck and surrounding reef.
Wreck Diving Requires Advanced Planning
While the Eagle is a popular dive site, wreck dives at these depths can present additional challenges compared with shallower reef dives.
Factors such as depth, current, overhead environments and increased air consumption all require careful dive planning and experience. Many divers choose to explore the wreck using enriched air nitrox or with advanced training to extend bottom time and improve safety margins.
Incidents such as this are rare but serve as a reminder that deeper wreck dives require appropriate training, equipment and conservative dive planning.
Authorities have not yet released further details about the circumstances leading to the diver’s death.
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