DATE: June 22, 2009 3:32:18 PM EDT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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News Release

Date: June 22, 2009

Contact: (787) 510-7923

Coast Guard suspends search for 3 overdue fishermen in waters off Piñones, Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Coast Guard rescue crews suspended their search Monday for three overdue fishermen, missing since Friday from a fishing trip near the reef line in Piñones, Carolina, Puerto Rico.

The missing men are reportedly Dominican Republic nationals, who were expected to return to the boat ramp in Piñones at approximately 3 a.m. Saturday, but they never arrived.

Coast Guard controllers in the Sector San Juan Joint Rescue Sub Center were initially contacted Sunday afternoon by the wife of one of the missing men, who reported that her husband and two other men had gone fishing aboard a 21-foot-beige Grady White fishing vessel with a blue tarp and one outboard engine.  

Coast Guard rescue crews have been searching since Sunday for the overdue fishermen with HH-65 Dolphin helicopters from Air Station Borinquen, Aguadilla, and HU-25 Falcon Jet from Air Station Miami.  Coast Guard aircrews conducted four searches spanning over 2,200 nautical square miles covering waters north of Piñones to Aguadilla, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“This case is a regrettable tragedy and another reminder of the dangers and respect that we must have for the sea,”  said Capt. Eduardo Pino, commander, Sector San Juan.  “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the missing fishermen for the disappearance of their loved ones.”

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