The U.S. Coast Guard said Thursday it was searching for a U.S. Marine who went swimming in high waves off Puerto Rico’s northeast coast while on vacation.
Authorities identified the man as Samuel Wanjiru, 26, from Massachusetts, who was visiting the island with his family. He went missing after going into the water at La Paredo Beach in Luquillo on Wednesday afternoon.
Coast Guard Good Samaritan rescue crew 1,700 miles from Bermuda after lightning strikes hole in boat
Also on Wednesday, another American tourist died after authorities said he rescued a group of teenagers who were swept away by violent waves in northwestern Puerto Rico.
The flag of Puerto Rico is photographed against a cloudy sky. (St. Petersburg)
“This month has been deadly in terms of beach drownings in the Puerto Rico region,” said Col. Jose E. Diaz, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard San Juan Division. “People need to be aware that the situation is serious and limits the ability of surface vessels to respond to search and rescue operations without further endangering crews and assets.”
A high surf advisory was issued late Tuesday for Puerto Rico’s northwest, north and northeast coasts and will remain in effect until late Thursday, with waves up to 12 feet high.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Diaz pointed out that most open ocean beaches in Puerto Rico do not have lifeguards.
