Body of missing swimmer found in Gulfport

The body of a swimmer who went missing Tuesday was found about 50 yards off Williams Pier in Gulfport, authorities said.

Alexander Pickett, 27, jumped from a pier into Boca Ciega Bay around 7 p.m. and began swimming back to shore, Gulfport Police Lt. Howard Coombs said in a statement. Witnesses said he went underwater, resurfaced and then wasn't seen again, said Sondra-Kay Kneen of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Police said several people swam out to Pickett in a rescue attempt, but were thwarted. One of the would-be rescuers was rescued from the water by Gulfport Police and firefighters, Coombs said.

Authorities said Pinellas County Sheriff's Office divers located Pickett around 12:30 a.m. They used sonar technology received through a homeland security grant.

--Stephanie Garry and Casey Cora, Times staff writers