NEWPORT, R.I. -- The US Coast Guard is searching for a Massachusetts spear fisherman missing off the coast of Newport.
The Coast Guard received a 911 call reporting Phillip Stevens was missing near Brenton Reef around 4:30 p.m.
The 59-year-old man was spear fishing with his wife and was scheduled to meet with her around 3:30 p.m. but never returned.
The Coast Guard says his kayak and spear were found onshore.
Stevens was last seen around 12:30 p.m. wearing a wet suit. He was spear fishing about 20 yards from shore in about 14 feet of water. The water temperature is about 66 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Coast Guard is using a helicopter and a response boat to search for Stevens.
The Department of Environmental Police, a Middletown dive team, Newport Harbormaster and Newport Police and Fire Departments are assisting in the search.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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