Tustin Man Dies Off Shaw's Cove After Participating in Diving Class

UPDATE: The diver was pronounced dead at Hoag Memorial Hospital in Newport Beach earlier today, Friday. He has been identified as Mark Gibbs, 51, of Tustin, according to Orange County Deputy Coroner Allison O'Neal.

From the Laguna Beach Police Department:

At 11:21 am, citizens called “911” and told dispatchers they heard people screaming for help in the ocean off of Shaw’s Cove (1000 block of Cliff Drive). 

Laguna Beach Lifeguards, Fire and Police Departments responded to the scene and soon discovered that a 51-year-old Orange County man was missing in the water. 

He had been participating in a diving class along with a group of people.  When they surfaced and conducted a head count, he was found to be missing.  Rescuers immediately began a systematic search of the area. 

With the assistance of the Orange County Harbor Patrol, the Orange County Sheriff’s Helicopter, United States Coast Guard and Newport Beach Lifeguards, the diver was located in the water at 12:40 pm. 

Rescuers immediately placed him onto a Newport Beach Lifeguard Boat and began CPR efforts.  The victim was transported to Newport Harbor where he was transferred to an awaiting ambulance and taken to the hospital.

At this time, the victim’s medical condition is not available and his identity is not being released.  The incident is under investigation and no further details are available.