Body Found in Water Near Crystal Cove

The body of a man whom authorities believe was reported missing earlier this week was pulled from the surf near Crystal Cove on Saturday evening by Sheriff’s Department divers.

The man, whose identity has not been confirmed, is believed to be a 33-year-old Orange County resident first reported missing on Wednesday, Sheriff’s Lt. William Francis said.

Francis said authorities were investigating the death as a possible suicide.

The body was initially found by a student diver and his instructor shortly before 5 p.m. underwater just off a reef point south of Corona del Mar.

Francis said the divers marked the body at its location underwater and summoned authorities. Land patrols and sheriff’s divers arrived to remove the body by 6 p.m.

It was not known how long the man had been in the water or what exactly caused his death. Since the victim’s identity could not be immediately confirmed, officials declined to say from where the missing person’s report was issued.

“It may be a suicide,” Francis said. “There appears to be no foul play.”