Scuba Diver from NYC Lost at Sea in Hawaii

A New York City doctor who disappeared while scuba diving off east Oahu is believed to be lost at sea, and Honolulu firefighters resumed their search for him Thursday.

The missing man is identified as 28-year-old Matthew Curley.

St. Luke's-Roosevelt confirmed to NBC New York on Thursday that Curley is a third-year post-grad resident in emergency medicine there.

A spokeswoman said he is a "well-liked and well-respected member of the residency team... our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time."

Curley was diving with a group of 11 people at a sunken wreck called "Baby Barge" on Monday and was not accounted for when the dive ended in the Waialae-Kahala area.

The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search Tuesday night, and Honolulu Fire Capt. Terry Seelig says if no new information is found by the end of Thursday, firefighters could also decide to terminate their search effort.

A fin was found in the water Tuesday. Seelig says Island Divers identified it as the same type and size that Curley was using, which prompted rescue divers to concentrate about a mile south-southeast outside the dive site.

Firefighters are also walking along the coastline because the strong swell could have pushed Curley to shore.

Seelig said the fire department has been searching by boat and helicopter about three miles from shore, and divers have been searching an area about two miles along the coast.

Curley graduated from Bucknell University and New York Medical College. A St. Luke's residency site lists his interests as wilderness medicine, baseball, skiing and movies.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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