Searchers said Wednesday they had recovered the body of a Kentucky diver who perished while exploring an underwater cave in Florida.

The Hernando County Sheriff's Office said it was presumed that James Woodall, 39, Richmond, Ky., drowned Tuesday night in the Eagle Nest Underwater Caverns after apparently becoming disoriented when his breathing apparatus developed a problem.

Woodall's diving buddy told investigators he tried to help but Woodall appeared to be in an altered mental state and pushed him away, the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times reported.

Woodall and Gregory Snowden had traveled to Florida to explore the remote caverns, which are noted for their views and extreme depth. Deputies told the Times the two men were inexperienced divers.