Jose Daniel Venta Ciro, a 23-year-old swimmer, vanished underwater while struggling off the coast of Florida on Sunday evening. His body was subsequently retrieved near Siesta Key on Blind Pass Road after a passing boater alerted searchers.
The body of a 23-year-old swimmer, Jose Daniel Venta Ciro, has been recovered off the coast of Florida after he disappeared underwater while struggling on Sunday evening, authorities reported.
Search teams located Venta Ciro's remains near 9150 Blind Pass Road on Siesta Key after a passing boater notified searchers conducting recovery efforts about a quarter mile north, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office. Officials identified the remains using photographs provided for the search.
First responders initially responded to Turtle Beach around 7:30 p.m. Sunday to assist two to three swimmers in distress, the sheriff's office stated. Marine units utilized advanced side-scan sonar provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to enhance the underwater search.
Sarasota County Fire Department personnel collaborated with bystanders to rescue all but one of the distressed swimmers. Due to the impending darkness and intensifying current, the sheriff's office suspended the search for the missing swimmer until daylight.
The Sheriff's Underwater Recovery Force, marine units, a fire department marine unit, and the U.S. Coast Guard resumed the search early Monday morning. Search teams narrowed their focus based on the family's account of where Venta Ciro was last seen, utilizing advanced side-scan sonar to scrutinize the underwater area.
The cause of death has yet to be officially determined, and Venta Ciro's body will be transferred to the medical examiner's office for examination.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued warnings about strong rip currents along the coast of Florida this week, reported FOX13 Tampa. Experts advise swimmers caught in a rip current to remain calm and float on their backs until they can swim parallel to shore, cautioning against attempting to fight against the flow.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of water safety. Swimmers are urged to exercise caution, particularly in areas with strong currents and to adhere to safety guidelines.
