SANTA RITA, Guam – Coast Guard Forces Micronesia / Sector Guam suspended the search for a 28-year-old male who was swept beyond the reef line at Gun Beach, Tumon, on Aug. 14, 2026.
Members of the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, Guam Fire Department, and Guam Police Department conducted an extensive five-day search, covering more than 1,100 square nautical miles.
At around 5:15 p.m., Aug. 9, watchstanders at U.S. Coast Guard Joint Rescue Sub-Center (JRSC) Guam received notification that the Guam Fire Department was responding to reports of a distressed swimmer at Gun Beach.
“We made the very difficult decision to suspend the case after extensive search efforts over multiple days,” said Lt. Adeeb Ahmad, search and rescue mission coordinator, Coast Guard Forces Micronesia / Sector Guam. “We thank our partners for their support and send our thoughts to the friends and loved ones of Mr. Camacho."
At the request of his family, Guam Fire Department released the name of the missing person, Nico Camacho. The family and emergency personnel are urging the public to remain vigilant and dial 911 if they observe anything that could assist in the case.
Assets involved:
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U.S. Coast Guard Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam
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U.S. Coast Guard Station Apra Harbor, 45-foot Response Boat-Medium
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U.S. Coast Guard C-130, based out of Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, Kapolei, Hawaii
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U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam
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Guam Fire Department, 31’ SAFE Boat, jet skis, swimmers, divers, drones, and shoreside personnel
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Guam Police Department 35’ Life Proof Boat
The Coast Guard warns swimmers that the waters of Guam can be extremely dangerous. They carry powerful rip currents and overpowering waves, combined with sharp coral that can injure, steep drop offs, and formations and holes that can trap people – all conditions that can threaten even the most advanced swimmers.
“We urge anyone going into the waters to check first for warnings from local authorities, and swim only where lifeguards are present or where it is considered safe to swim,” said Ahmad.
The U.S. National Weather Service Guam operates 24/7 providing information about water and weather conditions: https://www.weather.gov/gum.
The public is urged to remain calm if caught in a rip current. Don’t fight it or swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline until a passable opening is found. If unable to escape, remain calm, face the shore and call or wave for help.
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