The U.S. Coast Guard announced on Thursday that they are currently conducting a search for a U.S. Marine who had gone swimming in the treacherous high surf off the northeast coast of Puerto Rico during his vacation. Unfortunately, in a separate incident, another American tourist lost their life due to the dangerous conditions of the surf.
Authorities have identified the missing Marine as Samuel Wanjiru, a 26-year-old resident of Massachusetts who was visiting the island with his family. On Wednesday afternoon, he went into the water at La Pared beach in Luquillo and has not been seen since. In a video shared on social media by Puerto Rico’s Bureau of Emergency Management and Disaster Administration, divers can be seen jumping from a helicopter as they search for Wanjiru.
On Wednesday, there was another tragic incident in northwest Puerto Rico where an American tourist lost his life while rescuing his teenage children from the powerful waves.
“This month, there have been a significant number of tragic drownings at the beaches in Puerto Rico,” shared Capt. Jose E. Díaz, the commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan. He emphasized the seriousness of the situation and the need for people to understand that it has impacted their ability to respond to search and rescue cases using surface vessels, without putting their crews and assets at further risk. Capt. Díaz expressed his condolences and offered thoughts and prayers to the families who have lost their loved ones to the sea, hoping that they find strength during this incredibly challenging time.”
The National Weather Service issued a high surf advisory late on Tuesday for the northwest, north, and northeast coasts of Puerto Rico. The advisory will be in effect until late Thursday, as waves reaching up to 12 feet (4 meters) are expected.
Díaz pointed out that lifeguards are not present at the majority of open ocean beaches in Puerto Rico.
