UPDATE: The Orange County coroner's office identified the victim as Robert Mirett, 60, of Laguna Niguel. An autopsy has been scheduled.
ORIGINAL POST, 6:13 P.M. THURSDAY OCT. 4:
A snorkeler died off Goff Cove, below the Montage Resort, Laguna Beach Police said Thursday.
According to Capt. Jason Kravetz of the LBPD, a team of lifeguards, fire and police officers were investigating the circumstances as of 5:30 p.m. However, this much is known, according to Kravetz:
Witnesses reported seeing an older man wearing snorkeling gear who entered the ocean at 1:30 pm. Just before 4 p.m., a witness saw the same man floating in the water.
Citizens swam out and brought the man to shore. One called 911 at 3:58 pm and reported the incident.
In the background of the 911 call, other citizens were heard giving CPR to the victim, according to Kravetz. Once emergency crews arrived, the man was pronounced dead.
The identity of the man has not been established. He appeared to be a middle-aged male who also had a backpack on the beach, said Kravetz.
The Orange County coroner’s office is responding to the scene.
Goff Cove is one of several popular spots in Laguna Beach for snorkeling and scuba diving because of the protections it offers from breaking surf.
