19-year-old Zakeem Nicholas Found Dead After Search Off Seaton’s Coast

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Teen Diver Found Dead After Search Off Seaton’s Coast
19-year-old Zakeem Nicholas

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
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.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/02/14/teen-diver-found-dead-after-search-off-seatons-coast. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Cory Wayland

About the author

Cory Wayland is the Social Media Co-ordinator at Antigua.News, where he manages digital content strategy, audience engagement, and real-time news publications across social platforms. With a keen eye for trending topics and a commitment to factual storytelling, Cory plays a key role in shaping the online voice of Antigua.News.

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Comments (12)

  • Randy February 14, 2026, 1:41 PM

    Wow.. condolences to his family
    Reply
  • Antigua Surf February 14, 2026, 2:30 PM

    Condolences to the family and friends of this young man! What was suppose to be a fun experience ended in a way he will never be able to speak about! Rest in Peace young man
    Reply
  • Jasmine February 14, 2026, 2:31 PM

    Wow! I was praying he was found safe after your earlier report! Who knew a life could ended so swiftly and unexpected! Condolences to the loved ones
    Reply
  • Vance February 14, 2026, 2:32 PM

    Rest in Peace young soldier
    Reply
    • Anonymous February 14, 2026, 4:18 PM

      Condolences to the family members and friends 🙏 😢 💔
      Reply
  • Aaliyah February 14, 2026, 2:33 PM

    Zakeeeeeeemmmmmmm!!! RIP Luv! I wasn’t expecting this kind of news today! LLZN❤️🕊️
    Reply
  • Apex Jones February 14, 2026, 5:26 PM

    My condolences to the family. Lord give the family strength to cope
    Reply
  • Teacher for Life February 15, 2026, 12:35 AM

    Condolences to his family friends and loved ones. This is truly sad.
    Reply
  • Tromos February 15, 2026, 12:50 AM

    Very sorry for his family loss
    Reply
  • Informed citizen February 15, 2026, 1:05 AM

    Nineteen is an age full of plans and possibilities. The entire community feels the loss when a young life is cut short
    Reply
  • Doua February 15, 2026, 11:54 AM

    That one rough
    Reply
  • Lena February 15, 2026, 3:52 PM

    Condolences nobody should die this way
    Reply

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