Diver Overdue Off La Jolla Shores

Lifeguards search shore and water for man

Lifeguards searched the waters off the coast of La Jolla Shores for a missing diver.

Jeffrey May, 41, was last heard from Monday morning.

May's car was found nearby at a lifeguard station and his clothing, identification and car keys were in a container in an area where divers meet before going in the water.

Lifeguards and police began searching for May at about 8:15 p.m. Monday, according to a lifeguard official. On Tuesday afternoon, lifeguards deemed the efforts a recovery, not a rescue.

His wife said he was supposed to meet up with a new diving group. He has never gone out with the group before, his wife said. Lifeguards contacted the group but they said he didn't go out with them.

Lifeguards confirmed that May rented a scuba tank and weight belt yesterday morning at 7:15 from OEX Dive. Employees at the dive shop told NBC 7 San Diego they had not seen May.

May is described as an experienced diver, but Monday's outing was to be his first time diving La Jolla Shores.

May is an Oceanside resident and has a baby daughter, according to a friend.

A mask and snorkel were found Monday morning, according to lifeguards. But the objects were found at different times and it is uncertain whether or not they belonged to May.

A San Diego diver told NBC 7 San Diego that the visibility is bad in that area. She also said she would never go in alone, because if there are any issues underwater there is no help.

The search resumed Tuesday morning with 30 lifeguards, six boats and a Coast Guard helicopter. Divers are using a special sonar to search for the diver under water. Friends are also looking for May, and are showing people pictures of him, asking if anyone has seen him.
 

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