SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico − Coast Guard and local partners concluded multi-agency search efforts for a missing person after the man's body was located and recovered deceased off the coast of Condado Beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Friday morning.
A San Juan Maritime Police marine unit located and recovered Samuel Cruz, 23, unresponsive, approximately, 1.5 nautical miles off the coast of Condado Beach. Cruz went missing while attempting to rescue one of two people in distress off Condado Beach, Wednesday night.
“Although this is a most unfortunate outcome, we hope that recovering Samuel can provide his loved ones with some closure,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ray Lopez, Sector San Juan search and rescue mission coordinator for the case. “Our hearts are with his family and loved ones as we extend our deepest condolences to them during this difficult time. We are grateful for the coordinated efforts of all responding agencies. We especially want to recognize the San Juan Municipal Police Department marine unit for their role in locating and recovering Samuel. The professionalism, partnership and response of all agencies were instrumental in this case.”
Coast Guard watchstanders in Sector San Juan received a call from a 911 emergency service operator at 7:05 p.m., Wednesday, reporting two people in distress off Condado Beach. The reporting source stated a Good Samaritan went into the water and rescued one of two women in the distress, while a second Good Samaritan who attempted to render assistance was swept away by a wave and currents, and he remains missing. A third Good Samaritan subsequently rescued the second woman originally in distress.
Coast Guard agencies air and surface assets participating in the search conducted four air and five surface searches covering an area of approximately 853 square nautical miles.
Coast Guard and local agency emergency response units involved in the search:
· Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter
· Station San Juan 33-foot Special Purpose Craft
· Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action marine units
· Puerto Fire Department Corps
· Puerto Rico Emergency Management Bureau
· San Juan Municipal Office of Emergency Management
· Civil Air Patrol
Our U.S. Coast Guard crews stand ready to save lives, protect America’s waterways, and support safe maritime activity.
For the latest information on the grounding and response efforts, follow Sector San Juan.
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