Local, federal first responders widen search for missing diver

 At sunrise today, Guam Fire Department crews were on the wooden platform at the cove in Alupang. 

They were there all night. 

"We provided shoreline searches throughout the night just in case something were to wash up, any evidence of the missing diver were to wash up then we would be able to launch our units as quickly as possible," GFD spokesperson Kevin Reilly said.

The search is for a 35-year-old man - a  diver who officials confirm was conducting contract work to support telecommunications. The waters have been rough. 

The diver went in around 9 a.m., Thursday. An hour and a half later, his colleague reported that he never returned to shore.

"He was a technical diver on contract," Reilly said. "He was a proficient diver, a very good diver with a lot of dives under his belt. So we are taking that into consideration as well during our search."

The diver was last seen wearing a black wet suit with orange fins, and he has a spare oxygen tank.

Units with the Coast Guard’s Frederick Hatch, a USCG Station Apra Harbor Response Boat, the U.S. Navy’s helicopter Sea Combat Squadron, GFD Jetski operators, boat crews, and divers, and the Guam Police Department have been searching the area.

There a lot of resources being pulled together to help rescuers find this missing man. Officials are not giving up hope that they could locate him alive.

"We are entering our next operational period," he said. 

GFD even used a drone to help them have more eyes from the sky. 

"We are able to cover on the ground with the technology, we are able to see through the water and respond to objects floating so it is proving to be a valuable asset to put more eyes on what is going on," 

Officials are not yet confirming the diver's identity but ask that anyone with information call Coast Guard Forces Micronesia at 671-355-4824. 

As for those rough conditions, Guam Homeland Security issued a small craft advisory for all planning to go out in our waters. 

From now through Tuesday - expect a high risk of rip currents.