VENTURA : Search Continues for Missing Scuba Diver

More that a dozen search and rescue team members continued their hunt Sunday for a scuba diver missing after a dive Saturday in 30-foot deep water near Ventura Harbor with two companions.

“We’ve had a team out all morning, and we’ll continue to search through the afternoon,” said Lt. Arve Wells, who heads the Sheriff’s Department search and rescue team. “Hopefully, we’ll find something.”

Edward Lee Skidmore, a 41-year-old Van Nuys man, disappeared about 5:30 p.m. Saturday while scuba diving with two friends, Glenn Campagna of Simi Valley and John Sessling of Panorama City, officials said.

Witnesses told officials Skidmore dove into 30-feet-deep water about 100 yards from the north side of the breakwater. Rough waters and poor visibility prevented divers from searching for Skidmore on Saturday, but by Sunday conditions had improved, Wells said. Searchers also are using three boats and sounding devices to help locate Skidmore, he said.

Ventura Harbor officials said Sunday that the water temperature was 64 degrees. “You can get hypothermia very quickly, but you have to remember he was wearing a wet suit, so his survivability factor is much higher,” Wells said. “Also, our information is that he’s a very experienced diver who has been certified since 1973.”

Assistant Harbor Master Mark Cleavenger said the three men had not checked in with port officials before beginning their dives.

“Diving is a popular sport,” he said. “It’s basically like mountain biking. You just get your gear and get out there and do it.”