Crews search for Massachusetts Marine missing from Puerto Rico beach

LUQUILLO, Puerto Rico (WWLP) – Crews are searching a beach along the Puerto Rico coastline for a Massachusetts man in the U.S. Marines who has been reported missing on Wednesday.

According to officials, 26-year-old Samuel Maturi Wanjiru of Massachusetts was swept away by a current on La Pared Beach in Luquillo around 3:58 p.m. Wednesday. Crews have continued their search for the man on Thursday. More law enforcement agencies have joined the search, including divers from the Puerto Rico Police Bureau.

The mayor of Luquillo, Jesús Márquez, spoke with Telemundo Puerto Rico , saying the man is on vacation with his wife who is from Puerto Rico.

“This month has been deadly when it comes to beach drownings in the area of Puerto Rico,” said Capt. Jose E. Díaz, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan. “People need to realize that the situation is serious enough to limit our ability to respond to search and rescue cases with surface vessels without further endangering our crews and assets.”

Authorities have been providing updates on their search through their X page .

A high surf advisory was issued Tuesday evening for the northwest, north and northeast coast of Puerto Rico, which will remain in effect through Thursday. Waves may reach up to 12 feet.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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