The search for missing diver Virgil Price in Florida has been suspended after he disappeared while free diving at a World War II-era shipwreck off the coast. Price, a West Palm Beach resident, failed to resurface after his last known dive near the Halsey shipwreck, approximately 13 miles southeast of the Fort Pierce Inlet. Authorities confirmed that Price was last seen wearing a green wetsuit with an orange stripe on the hood, yellow weights on his weight belt, and black carbon fiber fins. A body was recovered but did not match Price’s description, leading to the suspension of the search by the U.S. Coast Guard.
The Florida Freedivers, where Price was a team member, expressed deep sadness at his disappearance, describing him as family and a dear friend to many. Despite the recovery of a body that did not belong to Price, the U.S. Coast Guard continued to work with the medical examiner to determine the cause and approximate time of death. The body did not appear to have been in the water for an extended period. Christian Daehler, a close friend of Price, described him as extremely passionate about diving and exploring the ocean, always diving with others and never alone. Price was a member of Team USA for free divers and was set to compete in multiple competitions worldwide.
Following the suspension of the search for Price, LCDR John Beal extended condolences to Price’s family. The decision to suspend an active search was made after covering over 1,415 miles and 36 hours of searching. Daehler reflected on Price’s love for diving and his impact on the diving community in Florida, mentioning his achievements and coaching skills. Price was described as one of the best free divers, with a warm, kind heart and a passion for being in the water. His disappearance has been devastating for those who knew him, as he was a well-known and respected member of the free diving community.
The discovery of the body that did not match Price’s description occurred just hours after the U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office worked with the Coast Guard in the investigation, highlighting the importance of determining the cause of death. Price’s disappearance and the subsequent suspension of the search have left friends and colleagues in shock and heartbreak, as they remember him for his skill, kindness, and dedication to the diving community. Despite the difficult circumstances, those who knew Price are determined to honor his memory and continue his legacy in the diving world.
