KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. – The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended the search for a missing paddle boarder who was last seen Monday in Key Biscayne.
The Coast Guard confirmed in a news release that it suspended its search for 29-year-old Luciano Mercenari Thursday, “pending new information.”
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According to Coast Guard officials, Mercenari was last seen around 5:15 p.m. Monday leaving Cape Florida on Pines Canal in Key Biscayne.
Officials said the area is close to Mercenari’s residence, but he didn’t return home at sundown as expected.
The Coast Guard confirmed that Mercenari’s paddleboard and dry bag were found Tuesday morning by a Good Samaritan about 4 miles off Haulover Inlet. Officials said the Good Samaritan reported the find Tuesday night after discovering the paddleboard they found was related to the case.
Coast Guard officials said Mercenari had been spearfishing on his paddleboard, and was wearing a light gray long sleeve “Reef Cheefs” rash guard and gray sports shorts.
“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,” said Capt. Chris Cederholm, commanding officer, Coast Guard Sector Miami. “We are grateful to our local and state partners for their assistance in this united effort.”
According to a news release, rescue crews searched an area of about 2,219 square miles, which is about the size of Delaware.
“On-scene weather conditions during the search were 10 to 20-knot winds with calm seas,” the news release stated.
According to officials, Mercenari is 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs about 200 pounds. He has dark brown, short cut hair and short-shaven facial hair.
The Coast Guard asks that anyone with new information calls the Coast Guard Sector Miami at 305-535-4300.