DATE: July 24, 2009 2:07:35 PM EDT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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News Release

Date: July 24, 2009 

Contact:  (787) 510-7923
Coast Guard ends search for missing fisherman in Guanica, Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Coast Guard rescue crews ended their search Thursday for a overdue fisherman who went missing Monday in waters off of Guanica, Puerto Rico.

The missing fisherman is a 71 year-old man, resident of Guanica, who reportedly had gone out snorkeling and fishing to “Manglillito” Beach in Guanica at approximately 10:30 a.m. Monday.  The fisherman never returned home after he was expected to arrive back from fishing at 6:30 p.m. Monday

Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary rescue crews flying Air Station Borinquen HH-65 Dolphin helicopters and a Coast Guard Auxiliary fixed-wing aircraft conducted a total of four searches covering 212 square nautical miles during the three-day search for the missing fisherman. Puerto Rico Emergency Management and Police Joint Force for Rapid Action (F.U.R.A.) rescue crews were also involved in the search efforts.

“Our prayers go out to the family and friends of our missing fisherman, on the disappearance of their loved one,” said Chief Warrant Officer Marciano Hernández, Sector San Juan Command Center command duty officer.

Here are some safety tips to remember before and during a dive:

  • Never dive or snorkel by yourself.
  • Ensure you have a dive plan and a diving "buddy."
  • File a float plan with a family member or friend. If you decide to deviate from your original intended plan, notify your emergency contact immediately.
  • Check your dive equipment carefully and ensure that equipment functions correctly.
  • Mark the area in which you are diving with a dive flag and a light.
  • Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, hypothermia and dehydration, as well as procedures for emergency treatment.
  • Check local weather conditions before diving, snorkeling or swimming.
  • Taking basic safety precautions while diving will increase your chance of surviving a potential diving accident.
  • Boat operators should be alert and aware of dive flags.
  • If you have not been scuba diving or snorkeling in the past year, please ensure you are physically capable of handling ocean conditions before diving.
  • Divers should have proper diving signaling equipment in case of a distress.

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