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Remains found in 2007 ID’d as missing diver thanks to FDLE genealogy grant

Date Added: June 06, 2025 2:38 pm

Remains recovered in 2007 have been identified as Robert Martin, a diver who went missing while off the coast of Ponce Inlet, with the help of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Genetic Genealogy Investigations (GGI) Team.   


Using funding from the FDLE Missing and Unidentified Human Remains (MUHR) grant and FDLE’s GGI team, Volusia sheriff’s detectives were provided a lead to a DNA match of a family member, solving a nearly two-decade-long case.  


In 2006, the U.S. Coast Guard responded to a distress call about 20 miles east of Ponce Inlet at a popular diving spot known as the “party grounds.” Martin was diving with two associates when he became distressed and went underwater. 


The Coast Guard conducted a large-scale rescue mission but ultimately did not locate Martin.


In 2007, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office was notified by a diver that they had found some gear located at another diving spot east of Ponce Inlet. The gear was traced back to Martin through the shop it was purchased from. The same year, a woman walking on the beach in New Smyrna Beach located partial human remains and reported it to law enforcement. 

 

Martin was entered into FCIC/NCIC as a missing person in August of 2008. 


VSO detectives exhausted all avenues to obtain a DNA match but were unable to identify or locate any potential family members, and their efforts came up empty.  


In January of 2025, with the help of the Medical Examiner’s Office and funding from the MUHR grant, the case was submitted to Othram, Inc. for DNA sequencing and database search to help solve cases of unidentified human remains and homicide cases. In April 2025, FDLE’s Genetic Genealogy Investigations (GGI) Team conducted extensive analytical and genetic genealogy research. Then, in May 2025, FDLE’s GGI team provided Volusia Sheriff’s Office detectives with the DNA match and positive identification of the victim.   


The Volusia County Medical Examiner’s Office has reviewed the case including inspecting the dive equipment found in 2007. Martin’s death has been deemed accidental. Next of kin has been notified.

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