Coast Guard suspends search for U.S. Marine off Luquillo, Puerto Rico

04/01/2024 01:30 PM EDT

Coast Guard rescue crews suspended search efforts in support of local emergency response agencies for a 26-year-old U.S. Marine in Luquillo, Puerto Rico, Sunday. Still missing is Cpl. Samuel Wanjiru, a resident of Mass., who came into distress Wednesday afternoon in the beach area of “La Pared” in Luquillo, Puerto Rico. “We keep Cpl. Samuel Wanjiru and his family in our prayers, hoping they find strength and closure during this most difficult time,” said Capt. Jose E. Diaz, Coast Guard Sector San Juan commander. “The loss of life in Puerto Rico beaches during March has been quite surreal, including the loss of two servicemembers. I commend the efforts of all responders, who have done their utmost to find Cpl. Wanjiru and who have also responded to numerous cases this month resulting in dozens of lives saved, while also conducting efforts to prevent any further loss of life in our beaches. Unfortunately, we continue to face similar marine conditions and it’s imperative we remain ready and that beachgoers stay safe daily by monitoring weather advisories and heeding warning signs and red flag conditions to stay out of the water when necessary.”