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Press Release | Feb. 10, 2026

Coast Guard suspends search for 1 missing person off Arecibo

Sector San Juan Public Affairs: 787-510-7923

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Coast Guard Sector San Juan suspended the active search for a missing person last seen in the vicinity of Reserva Natural Cueva del Indio, Tuesday, pending new information. 

Missing is 34-year-old Lyza Marie Padilla Coreano.

911 dispatchers alerted Sector San Juan watchstanders of three people who were hit by a 12-foot wave in the vicinity of Reserva Natural Cueva del Indio, Arecibo, PR, at approximately 5:20 p.m., Monday. It was reported one person made it to shore in good health. 

Coast Guard and partner agencies searched approximately 850 square miles, and a body was recovered fitting the description of one of the missing. 

“The Coast Guard made the extremely difficult decision to suspend our active search tonight," said Cmdr. Matthew Romano, a search and rescue mission coordinator, Sector San Juan. "We extend our most heartfelt condolences to the families and hope they find strength and closure during this most difficult time. I would like to extend my appreciation to the bystanders and on-scene authorities for their actions and to all the Coast Guard units and local emergency response partners for their professionalism, dedication, and tireless efforts during the search. This is a stark reminder to be ever vigilant while planning activities in and near the water, especially during rough sea conditions."

The current sea state is approximately 12-foot seas and 15-25 mph winds. 

Agencies involved in the search: 

  • Coast Guard Sector San Juan 
  • Air Station Borinquen
  • Coast Guard Auxiliary
  • Oficina Municipal para el Manejo de Emergencias
  • Puerto Rico Emergency Management Agency
  • Civil Air Patrol Puerto Rico Wing
  • Puerto Rico Police Department

More information about the U.S. Coast Guard can be found at www.uscg.mil. Follow us on X and Instagram, like us on Facebook.

-USCG-