BY First Coast News,

A man aboard an NOAA vessel died while diving near Key West and authorities are investigating why. The 54-year-old from Ramrod Key was not identified pending notification of his family.

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office says he and a buddy were surveying the sea floor on Monday for an upcoming coral restoration project. They were heading back to the surface -- from 80 to 100 feet under -- and reached a decompression stop. That's when the buddy noticed the man floating downward.

Authorities say other divers on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration vessel went into the water and retrieved the man. They performed CPR and called the Coast Guard. A helicopter took the man to Lower Keys Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

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