SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Coast Guard ended a three-day search for a missing paddle boarder Wednesday night off the northwest coast of Puerto Rico.
Still missing is Sheily Roque, 30, who had gone out paddle boarding with Michael Vazquez, 25, Sunday afternoon from Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
Vazquez was rescued Tuesday by the crew of a Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter after he was found stranded on Desecheo Island by a patrolling Coast Guard Auxiliary fixed-wing aircraft, approximately 15 nautical miles off the coast of Aguadilla.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Sheila Roque during this most difficult time,” said Capt. Robert Warren, Sector San Juan commander.
Coast Guard Watchstanders in Sector San Juan received a call from a concerned family member Monday evening reporting the missing paddle boarders.
Since Monday, Coast Guard rescue crews searched approximately 1,958 square nautical miles in waters off the northwest coast of Puerto Rico, the Mona Passage and Desecheo Island, as well as coordinated search efforts with the Puerto Rico Emergency Management, Puerto Rico Police and the Civil Air Patrol.
Surface and air assets involved in the search were:
Coast Guard Cutter Valiant, a 210-foot Medium Endurance Cutter home ported in Mayport, Fla.
Coast Guard Cutter Key Largo, a 110-foot patrol boat home ported in Puerto Rico
Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopters from Air Station Borinquen
Coast Guard Auxiliary fixed-wing aircraft
Civil Air Patrol fixed-wing aircraft