PONCE INLET, Fla. (WFLA) — A recent discovery led to a breakthrough in the mystery of a diver who disappeared off the coast of Ponce Inlet in 2006.
According to NBC affiliate WESH, a year later, a jawbone washed ashore, whose owner, until now, remained unknown.
In 2007, a human jawbone was discovered on New Smyrna Beach, as reported by Volusia County Chief Medical Examiner, James Fulcher. Unfortunately, the DNA technology at the time was insufficient to determine the individual’s identity.
However, the bone was recently sent to a specialized lab for further testing, and an identification was finally made.
WESH reported that the mandible belonged to Robert Martin, a diver who vanished after a trip about 20 miles offshore from Ponce Inlet.
Fulcher, who is an experienced diver, examined Martin’s equipment, which also washed ashore, to determine the cause of his death.
“We suspect that he became trapped under rocks while searching for lobsters. We know he was engaged in lobstering and had removed his buoyancy compensator vest, which includes the tank and regulator,” Fulcher explained.
He told reporters that Martin’s death was presumed to be a drowning.
“The individual reportedly surfaced and called for assistance but was never seen again, suggesting he likely drowned due to the absence of flotation on the surface.”
His deduction provides insight into a case that has left more questions than answers for nearly 20 years.
