TAVERNIER (CBS4) – Less than 12 hours into Florida’s mini-season a diver hunting for lobster in the Keys has lost his life.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said 54 year old Mark Fountain, from Massachusetts ,was diving with his 34 year old son and his son’s girlfriend at Snapper Ledge off Tavernier when he became separated from them.

Fountain’s son said when he got back into the boat and picked up his girlfriend; they spotted his father a distance away. When they reached him they realized he was floating on the surface, unresponsive.

They pulled him into the boat, called for help and headed in to shore. The U.S. Coast Guard met them en route and escorted them in to the Tavernier Creek Marina, where Fountain was pronounced dead by paramedics.

Fountain’s son said his father was an experienced scuba diver. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.

Guide: 2011 Mini-Lobster Season Rules & Safety Tips