
The person at the center of this case
Greg Mickey
Justice for Greg Mickey — the trail went cold in 2005, but the truth hasn't.
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Why was Greg's weight belt found open on the bottom? Did he ditch it intentionally, and if so, why did this not aid his survival?
How did an advanced diver in full wetsuit and gear, only 50 feet from his boat, disappear without a trace despite extensive Coast Guard search?
What was the exact sequence of events during the cross current incident, and could the dive partner's account provide additional clues?
Greg Mickey, a 42-year-old advanced diver, disappeared on June 18, 2005, while diving near Frying Pan Shoals off the coast of Brunswick, North Carolina. He and a dive partner were swept northwest by a strong cross current during their ascent, and though one partner was rescued by the Coast Guard, Greg was never found despite his proximity to the boat and extensive search efforts. The US Coast Guard conducted 40 search missions covering over 1,000 square miles, yet the circumstances of his disappearance—particularly how an experienced diver in full gear so close to his vessel vanished—remain unexplained.
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Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
Why did the strong cross current sweep divers northwest, and were ocean conditions that day unusually hazardous for the area?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
NamUs case MP7253. Missing person: Greg Mickey.
Last known contact: 2005-06-18 in Frying Pan Shoals, Brunswick, NC. Circumstances: Mickey, 42, was diving with two friends early Saturday afternoon near Frying Pan Shoals, about 30 miles southeast of Bald Head Island.
His friends lost sight of him in rough waters around noon on June 18th, 2005. According to his diving partners, he was last seen on the surface about 50 feet from his boat, "Details." A strong cross current swept him and his dive partner northwest of the boat during a free ascent after they failed to find the anchor line at the end of the 110 ft dive.
One partner was recovered by the Coast Guard 9 hours later, 4 miles northwest of the dive site, and the third man made it back to the dive boat. Greg ditched his BC and tank in an attempt to make the swim to boat.
Divers recovered Greg's weight belt on the bottom, open, 4 days later, but his body was never recovered. Greg was an advanced certification diver in a full wetsuit, mask, fins and snorkle, so close to the boat, so what happened to him remains a mystery.
The US Coast Guard conducted 40 search missions that covered more than 1,000 square miles with aircraft and boats. Others have conducted private searches for Mickey as well.
Demographics: 58 years, Male, White / Caucasian. Physical description: 5 ft 10 in, 172 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Brown.
Clothing and accessories: Clothing: Greg was wearing a 7 mm full body wetsuit brand – 43 Dacor, Black, white lettering (Dacor) on outer sleeves and white logo on chest circle with a diver photo; thick plastic shin guards, Back Zipper, possible bootie/gloves; Clear Face Mask; Neon Green Flippers/Fins w/ Black Leading down sides – Open Heel; and carrying an AB Biller Spear Gun/Wood Stock w/ Red Coil Attached (.357 Power Head); Jewelry: Wedding Ring (gold, woven rope inside band & identifying script; ALL Silver Face/Band (Brand New) Dive Watch – Tag Heuer. Investigating agency: United States Coast Guard | misle#237125.
Mickey lost contact with his dive partner during free ascent near Frying Pan Shoals after failing to locate the anchor line at 110 ft depth. Strong cross current swept both divers northwest of the boat.
One of Mickey's dive partners was recovered by the US Coast Guard approximately 9 hours after disappearance, 4 miles northwest of the dive site.
Divers recovered Greg's open weight belt on the bottom 4 days after disappearance, but his body was never found.
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.