A 66-year-old diver who was reported missing from a commercial fishing vessel was rescued Monday by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach Command Center received a report that a man had gone missing from the Otra Vez, which operates out of the Santa Barbara Harbor.

“The vessel was conducting dive operations near Channel Islands, when one of the crew members noticed the missing diver and contacted the Coast Guard,” the agency said in a news release.

A MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, a Coast Guard small boat, and the Cutter Halibut were dispatched to assist in the search.

The helicopter located the diver in the water Monday morning and directed the small boat and the Otra Vez to his location, where he was safely recovered.

He reportedly was taken to a local hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition.

“We are grateful for the trust of the public when responding to situations like this,” said Coast Guard Capt. Ryan Manning. “We strongly urge all mariners to wear life jackets, carry VHF radios, and contact the Coast Guard if you find yourself needing assistance on the water.”

— Noozhawk executive editor Tom Bolton can be reached at tbolton@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.