Watch CBS News

Key Largo Man Dies Trying To Save Divers

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter 

MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- A boat mate died while trying to rescue four divers who drifted away from a boat near the Florida Keys.

Monroe County deputies said 59-year old Steven Kipp tried to help four drivers while they were offshore near Key Largo on Thursday just before 7 a.m.

The divers had been in the water for about 15 minutes when the current became too strong, causing them to start drifting.

That's when the Kipp geared up and got into the water to bring the divers a line to tow them back to the boat.

He was able to give the line to the first two divers but when he was headed to the other two divers who were farther off, he became unresponsive, deputies said.

He was later brought onto the boat where crew performed CPR on him and took him to shore.

Rescue crews rushed him to Mariner's Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.