Diver still missing off Treasure Island

A diver missing since last week off Treasure Island beach in Laguna Beach has still not been found. The missing diver has been identified as John S. Park, 29, of Buena Park, said Laguna Beach Police Sgt. Jason Kravetz.

A massive search was called shortly after friends reported Park missing at 7:11 p.m. Sept. 11. He was “free diving” without scuba tanks while spearfishing with two friends, Kravetz said.

“Apparently, all three had driven to the beach together in order to go ‘free diving.’ Only two surfaced and came ashore,” Kravetz said.

“They looked up and down the beach for their friend and could not find him.” An hour later, they called police.

Kravetz said it is unlikely Park was carried off by a great white shark, which have been seen in local waters. He may have been swept into an underwater cave, but divers searched the underwater caves and found nothing.

Agencies including Laguna Beach firefighters and lifeguards, the U.S. Coast Guard, Harbor Patrol, a Newport Beach police helicopter and U.S. Ocean Safety lifeguards conducted an all-out, 16-hour search for the diver, Kravetz said.

The search last until 11 a.m. the following day.

Police do not suspect foul play in Park’s disappearance.