Man dies while scuba diving off Carolina Beach

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The Coast Guard has released the identity of the man who died in a scuba diving accident Saturday night off the coast of Carolina Beach.

According to officials the Coast Guard was notified when a body was discovered floating and unresponsive off the coast. Officials said the man who was found has been identified as Caleb Batson.

Investigators say the first mate of the Cheerio Lady found Batson, the captain, floating near the boat face down and wearing scuba gear. Batson was airlifted to New Hanover Regional Medical Center, but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Sunday afternoon a crowd of two dozen people gathered to pay their respects at the marina where the Cheerio Lady was docked. The sign for the boat was decorated with flowers.