MIAMI, Fla. (CBS12) — The United States Coast Guard called off its search for a paddle boarder who went missing earlier this week off the southeastern coast of Florida, saying the effort would be suspended pending any new information.
Searchers have been trying to locate Luciano Mercenari since around 5:15 p.m. on Monday when he disappeared after going spearfishing on Pines Canal in Key Biscayne. His aqua and orange paddleboard along with a dry bag was found the next day by a good Samaritan about four miles of Haulover Inlet.
“Suspending an active search and rescue case is never an easy decision, and so it is with heavy hearts that we offer our sincere condolences to Mr. Mercenari’s family and friends,” Coast Guard Sector Miami commanding officer Capt. Chris Cederholm said, adding the Guard’s appreciation to state and local agencies for their assistance.
According to the Coast Guard’s statement on the suspension, rescue crews’ combined efforts covered over 2,200 square miles, which it noted was an area about the size of Delaware.
Soon after Mercenari, 29, disappeared there were concerns that he may be further away from Pines Canal. People off the coast of Miami, South Miami, the Florida Keys were asked to be on the lookout for Luciano as well as those as far away as Bimini and the Bahamas.
Three Coast Guard stations, two cutters, and its investigative service participated in the search, along with first responders from Miami-Dade and Key Biscayne, as well as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Anyone with new information about the search is asked to contact Coast Guard Miami at 305-535-4300.
