Gail Smith Obituary, Death; – Further information has been disclosed regarding the death of a scuba diver on January 25 off Manasota Key Beach.
As reported by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, a 66-year-old man named Gail Smith was discovered deceased in the water near Manasota Key Beach approximately six hours after his diving partner, Daniel McAtee, aged 63, last saw him.
The sheriff’s office indicated that McAtee informed authorities that he and Smith had planned a one-hour dive to search for shark teeth about a quarter-mile offshore, south-southwest of the beach, at a depth of 21 feet.
McAtee stated that he last saw Smith around 9:30 a.m. when they first submerged. They intended to dive for an hour and then reunite after the dive.
He mentioned that there was no arrangement to remain together, maintain visual contact, or utilize a tether, aside from their general compass direction and intended depth.
Upon concluding his dive and surfacing, McAtee expressed concern after failing to locate Smith. After unsuccessfully searching the nearby area, he contacted 911 at approximately 12:12 p.m.
Later, Sarasota County lifeguards discovered the missing diver’s floating dive flag “a significant distance” from the last known location, indicating it may have been displaced by a strong current or wind, according to the sheriff’s office. The flag was noted to be unattached to anything.
A search operation commenced, involving the sheriff’s office’s marine unit and dive team, with assistance from rescue boats belonging to the U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Englewood Fire Department, Sarasota County Fire Department, Venice Fire Department, Sarasota Police Department, Venice Police Department, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and Sea Tow.
The aviation unit from the sheriff’s office and the Coast Guard also participated in the search efforts.
At approximately 3:28 p.m., beachgoers spotted a body floating in the water near the 8400 block of Manasota Key Road and brought him ashore.
Responding units were able to confirm Smith’s identity, and his next of kin were informed.
The case remains active, pending further investigation, the sheriff’s office said.
