A recreational diving trip ended in tragedy this weekend after 19-year-old Zakeem Nicholas of Seatons was found dead following an extensive search operation off the island’s northeastern coast.

Nicholas reportedly went out to sea on Friday morning with a companion for a fishing and diving excursion near Seaton’s Dock. According to preliminary reports, both young men entered the water, but Nicholas later encountered difficulties with his fishing gear. He was last seen attempting to swim back toward the vessel.

When his companion returned to the boat moments later, Nicholas was nowhere in sight. Immediate efforts to locate him proved unsuccessful, and authorities were alerted. The Antigua and Barbuda Coast Guard swiftly launched a coordinated search and rescue operation, deploying multiple vessels and rescue personnel to comb the surrounding waters.

Family and Volunteers Rally in Search for Missing Fisherman Zakeem Nicholas

After hours of searching on Friday, the operation was suspended around 5:30 p.m. as nightfall approached. The search resumed early Saturday morning under the direction of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard.

At approximately 10:09 a.m., search teams discovered Nicholas’ body on the seabed in the vicinity of Long Bay Beach. He was later pronounced dead at 10:39 a.m., bringing a heartbreaking end to the rescue effort.

Police have since extended condolences to Nicholas’ family and friends, while expressing gratitude to the Coast Guard and all those who participated in the search and recovery. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.