Deputies seek help identifying body

Investigators are trying to identify the body of a man found floating in the ocean off Newport Coast, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department said Thursday.

A commercial fisherman discovered the body on Christmas Eve about a mile out from Crystal Cove and contacted the Sheriff’s Department, according to a news release.

Deputies but have been unable to determine an approximate age or the man’s race.

Investigators said the man was wearing dark nylon Champion sweat pants with zippered legs, size 11 black Asics running shoes, and a black Timex watch with a plastic band.

The man was about 5 feet, 9 inches tall and about 165 pounds with dark hair, according to the Sheriff’s Department.

Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at (714) 647-7044 or (714) 647-7000.

Anonymous tips can be submitted through Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS or occrimestoppers.org.

— Jeremiah Dobruck

Twitter: @jeremiahdobruck