Coast Guard ends search for missing fisherman off “Caza y Pesca” Beach in Arecibo, Puerto Rico

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 11/27/2019 09:42 AM EST

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U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands
Contact: Coast Guard Puerto Rico PA Office
Office: 787-729-2381
After Hours: 787-510-7923
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Coast Guard ends search for missing fisherman off “Caza y Pesca” Beach in Arecibo, Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Coast Guard rescue crews ended the search Tuesday night for a missing fisherman in waters off “Caza y Pesca” Beach in Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

Still missing is Pedro R. Lavezarri a 61 year-old man resident of Arecibo, who reportedly was free diving when he was last seen.

"Ending a search without finding a survivor is difficult for any rescue professional involved in the search, but even more so for the family and loved ones of Mr. Lavezarri, whom we pray for and hope they may find comfort during this most difficult time," said Cmdr. Beau Powers, Sector San Juan chief of response.  "I commend the efforts and superb coordination of all rescue crews from PREMA and other partner agencies who conducted shoreside rescue efforts and managed the incident command post where Mr. Lavezarri was last seen." 

Watchstanders at Sector San Juan were initially contacted by Puerto Rico Emergency Management personnel at 7:21 p.m. Sunday, who reported Lavezarri was last seen in the water at 1 p.m. Saturday and that his vehicle remained parked in the area.

Since the search began Sunday, Coast Guard rescue crews have conducted eight air and five surface searches covering over 2,118 square nautical miles, more than half the size of Puerto Rico.

Coast Guard assets involved in the search are:

  • MH-65 Dolphin helicopters from Air Station Boriquen
  • HC-130 aircraft from Air Station Clearwater, Fla.
  • Coast Guard Cutter Donald Horsley (WPC-1117)
  • Coast Guard Cutter Winslow Griesser (WPC-1116)

Anyone with any information on this case should contact the Coast Guard Sector San Juan Command Center at 787-289-2041.

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-USCG-