LOS ANGELES — The Coast Guard suspended its search Thursday at approximately 7:20 p.m. for a 30-year-old woman who was reported missing after personal belongings were found unattended south of the Venice Beach Pier in Venice Beach, California, Wednesday evening.
The missing person has been identified as Ashanta Ayana Elise Cobb-McNeil from Las Vegas, Nevada. Her loved ones said she sometimes goes by "Loni Legend."
Coast Guard rescue crews searched a combined total of 65 square miles over the course of approximately 21 hours, utilizing helicopters, small boats, and cutter.
"It is always difficult to suspend a search for a missing person. We put a lot of thought and care into the decision," said Capt. Stacey Crecy, commander of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach. "Our hearts go out to Ashanta's family, friends and loved ones. We are grateful to our partner agencies and everyone who assisted in the search."
The response involved multiple local agencies and units, including:
- Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach command center
- Coast Guard Station Los Angeles-Long Beach boatcrew
- Coast Guard Cutter Narwhal crew
- Coast Guard Air Station San Diego aircrew
- Coast Guard Air Station Ventura aircrew
- Los Angeles County Fire Department
- Los Angeles Police Department
- Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach watchstanders received a report at 8:47 p.m. Wednesday evening, from the Los Angeles Police Department and a good Samaritan who discovered a phone, shoes, wallet, and passport unattended on the sand.
At the time of the initial report, weather conditions in the area recorded air and water temperatures of 67.5°F, and winds between approximately 3-6 miles per hour.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Ms. Cobb-McNeil is urged to contact the local authorities.