Local News

Cpl. Samuel Wanjiru, 26, was visiting Puerto Rico with his family when he was reported to be in distress in the water on March 27.

Authorities announced Monday that the search in Puerto Rico for a missing U.S. Marine from Massachusetts has been suspended.

Cpl. Samuel Wanjiru, 26, was visiting Puerto Rico with his family when he was reported to be in distress in the beach area of “La Pared” in Luquillo, Puerto Rico on March 27.

The Coast Guard said Monday the search for the 26-year-old covered a span of 264 square nautical miles. 

“We keep Cpl. Samuel Wanjiru and his family in our prayers, hoping they find strength and closure during this most difficult time,” Capt. Jose E. Diaz, Coast Guard Sector San Juan commander, said in a statement. “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.”

In the past week, officials have been warning of high surf and life-threatening rip currents in eastern, northern, and western beaches in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

On Monday, the Coast Guard continued to urge boaters and others spending time in the ocean to pay “close attention” to National Weather Service advisories and take steps to stay safe in the face of ongoing high surf and rip current conditions. 

“We continue to face similar marine conditions,” Diaz said. “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.”