Diver dies on beach at Sea Ranch

A diver died Wednesday afternoon on a beach at The Sea Ranch, deputies said.

Emergency responders scaled down a cliff to get to the man lying on Galleons Reach beach and pronounced him dead at the scene shortly after, Sonoma County sheriff’s Sgt. Cecile Focha said.

A passer-by had dialed 911 after hearing the diver’s friend call for help about 3 p.m., she said.

“The guy’s friend was down on the beach hollering,” Focha said, adding that the men had been diving together in the area.

The call to emergency dispatchers initially came in as a rescue. The sheriff’s rescue helicopter was called in to assist but could not take off because of wet weather conditions.

Deputies were trying to reach the diver’s family Wednesday evening and did not release his identity. It also remained unknown how the man died, Focha said.

“The coroner will be investigating,” Focha said.

The Sea Ranch Volunteer Fire Department and Cal Fire also responded to the incident.