Tragic Death of Elderly Diver at Florida Keys Shipwreck
A 71-year-old tourist from Missouri has died while diving to explore a historic shipwreck off the coast of the Florida Keys. Lonnie Lee Higgins was participating in a dive to see the Eagle shipwreck near Islamorada when the fatal incident occurred on Friday.
Discovery and Recovery Efforts
According to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, commercial dive employees discovered Higgins' body on the ocean floor at approximately 110 feet deep. The employees brought Higgins back to shore aboard a commercial vessel, where emergency responders immediately administered CPR until the United States Coast Guard arrived at the scene.
Higgins was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital, where medical personnel pronounced him dead. Authorities have stated they do not believe foul play was involved in his death, but the exact cause remains undetermined pending completion of an autopsy. The sheriff's office has not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The Eagle Shipwreck's History
The 287-foot Eagle shipwreck that Higgins was exploring has a fascinating maritime history. Originally launched in December 1962 in Holland under the name Raila Dan, the vessel underwent seven different names throughout its operational life. In October 1985, while operating as the Arron K approximately 100 miles off Miami's coast, the freighter caught fire.
Although the Coast Guard responded to distress calls, the ship was declared a total loss. The Florida Keys Artificial Reef Association subsequently purchased the vessel with assistance from a $20,000 donation by Joe Teitelbaum, owner of the Eagle Tire Company, which inspired the ship's final name.
On December 20, 1985, the Eagle was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef near Islamorada. Initial plans called for sinking it adjacent to another artificial reef called the Alexander Barge, but the freighter drifted from the intended location during the sinking process and was ultimately positioned just north of the barge. In 1998, Hurricane Georges split the wreck into two distinct pieces.
Ongoing Investigation
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate Higgins' death while awaiting autopsy results. Authorities have confirmed that no suspicious circumstances surround the incident, but the precise cause of death remains unknown. The Daily Mail has reportedly reached out to Higgins' family for comment regarding the tragic loss.
This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with deep-water wreck diving, particularly for elderly participants. The Eagle shipwreck has become a popular destination for recreational divers since its intentional sinking nearly four decades ago, attracting enthusiasts interested in exploring its historical significance and marine habitat development.
