Snorkeler presumed dead, family to hold memorial

The family of a 68-year-old Omaha man lost in a snorkeling incident is holding a memorial service for him on Friday.

John "Bud" Dresp and his brother, Donald Dresp from Las Cruces, N.M., went snorkeling in Shark Ray Alley, a popular dive spot near Caye Caulkeroff off Belize, with a group of 50 people from a cruise on Nov. 16. When Bud Dresp disappeared underwater, his brother notified the operator of the snorkeling trip, Discovery Divers Ltd.

Discovery Divers later issued a statement saying the group was accompanied by eight licensed tour guides and that snorkeling conditions were ideal. But Donald Dresp told local news media there was a strong current and the water was deeper than the group had expected.

After a seven-day search, Bud Dresp was presumed dead, his daughter Ellen Ham said Thursday. So, she said, the family decided to go ahead with services.

Another American tourist drowned recently in Belize waters.

Abigail Brinkman, 28, of Columbus, Ind., died on Oct. 22 as she attempted to swim with other divers to a nearby caye after their dive boat experienced engine trouble. Her companions spent three days and two nights in open water beyond the Belize Barrier Reef.

Source: www.scubawire.com
Original Article: www.journalstar.com