LOS ANGELES, CA – Authorities are conducting an extensive search for a 28-year-old off-duty Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) firefighter who went missing during a freediving excursion off the coast of Long Beach on Wednesday night.
According to the Long Beach Fire Department, the firefighter was aboard a private boat with three companions near Pier F Avenue when the incident occurred. The group had ventured out for freediving, a form of underwater diving that relies on breath-holding rather than scuba gear. Three of the men entered the water while the fourth remained aboard to operate the boat.
Shortly after entering the water, two divers returned to the vessel, reporting they had lost sight of the third diver. Authorities were contacted around 9:55 p.m., and rescue teams were deployed immediately.
Approximately 20 minutes after the call for help, divers from the Long Beach Fire Department began searching the waters. The search operation has since expanded to include resources from the U.S. Coast Guard, the Los Angeles City and County Fire Departments, the Los Angeles Port Police, and the Long Beach Police Department.
Boats, divers, and air units are being used in the effort to locate the missing firefighter. Authorities are concentrating their efforts in the area around Pier F Avenue, which includes a mix of industrial docks and open water.
“The search teams are working tirelessly and will continue their efforts until all avenues are exhausted,” a spokesperson for the Long Beach Fire Department said in a statement.
The missing firefighter’s name has not been released, pending notification of family members. Authorities have also not disclosed additional details about the circumstances leading to his disappearance or the conditions in the area at the time of the incident.
Freediving, while growing in popularity, is known for its inherent risks. It requires divers to hold their breath while exploring underwater, which can lead to complications such as shallow water blackout or disorientation. Authorities have not specified whether any of these factors might have played a role in the firefighter’s disappearance.
The news has sent shockwaves through the firefighting community. LAFD has not issued a formal statement but is reportedly coordinating closely with Long Beach authorities and providing support to the missing diver’s family.
The search remains active, and authorities have urged anyone with information about the incident or conditions in the area at the time to contact the Long Beach Police Department.
As the search enters its critical hours, rescue teams remain committed to finding the missing firefighter, whose disappearance has drawn concern from both colleagues and the local community.
