TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — During the search for a missing diver off the coast of Florida, officials recovered the body of another man.

On Sunday, the U.S. Coast Guard conducted a search in the waters of the Fort Pierce Inlet for a missing 39-year-old West Palm Beach man who had gone free diving nine miles off Jensen Beach.

The missing diver was exploring the Halsey shipwreck, a WWII-era wreck approximately 65 feet underwater, when he failed to resurface. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office reported that as deputies were searching for the diver, they discovered another body nearly 16 miles northeast of the Fort Pierce Inlet.

The unidentified body is described as a white man, appearing to be over 50 years old, weighing between 200 and 225 pounds. Officials noted that the body did not appear to have been in the water for an extended period.

The sheriff’s office confirmed that the body found does not match the description of the missing diver. Deputies stated that they currently do not have any missing person reports in the area matching the discovered man's description. The Medical Examiner will determine the cause and time of death.

The last sighting of the missing diver reported him wearing a green wetsuit with an orange stripe on the hood, yellow weights on his weight belt, and black carbon fiber fins.

The Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are collaborating on both investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding both the missing diver and the unidentified body.

Authorities continue to search for the missing diver while also working to identify the deceased man. The unexpected discovery has added complexity to the search and investigation efforts, emphasizing the need for thorough and coordinated efforts by all involved agencies.

The Coast Guard has urged anyone with information about the missing diver or the unidentified body to come forward. They are also reminding divers to follow safety protocols and inform someone of their diving plans to ensure swift assistance in case of emergencies.

Local diving communities are on high alert, with many expressing concern and offering support to the ongoing search efforts. The discovery has left many divers and residents in the area anxious for answers and hopeful for the safe return of the missing diver.

In the meantime, both investigations remain active, with officials committed to uncovering the details behind the diver's disappearance and the identity of the found body. The search operations demonstrate the dedication and resilience of the rescue teams in the face of challenging circumstances.