Coast Guard searches for Texas man swept by currents off Steps Beach in Rincon, Puerto Rico

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News Release  

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
7th District Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands online newsroom

Coast Guard searches for Texas man swept by currents off Steps Beach in Rincon, Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Coast Guard air and surface crews continue searching Thursday for a Texas man in the waters just off Steps Beach in Rincon, Puerto Rico.

Missing is Michael Walter, 24, from Dallas, who was last seen being swept out to sea by the currents. Walter is reported to be a strong swimmer, approximately 170 pounds, brown skin, and wearing grey shorts.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector San Juan received a call from a 911 emergency operator at 4:13 p.m. Wednesday, who relayed that two persons were being pulled out to sea by the currents. The two persons reportedly were vacationing together in Puerto Rico. One of the persons was able to make it back to shore with the assistance from a bystander, who reported the incident to 911.

Following the 911 call Wednesday, watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Tezanos to search for Walter.  Puerto Rico Emergency Management Agency rescue teams and Puerto Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action maritime units are also actively searching.

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-USCG-