Missing Diver Found in Laguna Beach Kelp Bed

A 40-year-old diver who went missing and was found by night-diving experts in Laguna Beach has died, sheriff's officials said.

Andrew Brislen of San Clemente was located in a kelp bed about
250 yards offshore at about 10:25 p.m.  Thursday, Marine Safety Department Chief Kevin Snow said. He was in full arrest when he was found.

Officials performed CPR and took Brislen to shore on an Orange County sheriff's fire boat.

Brislen was rushed in critical condition to Mission Hospital, where he later died, sheriff's officials said.

The diver was off work early and went spear fishing, Snow said. Brislen was reported missing by his family when he did not return home from work at his usual time, about 5:30 p.m.

His family called authorities after they found his car parked at Diver's Cove with his diving equipment missing, Orange County Sheriff's Department Lt. Lloyd Downing said.

Deputies and officers from the Orange County Sheriff's Department, Marine Safety Department and Laguna Beach Police Department searched the area by helicopter and water to find Brislen, Snow said.