Coast Guard suspends search for missing paddleboarder in Miami – NBC 6 South Florida

The Coast Guard has suspended the search for a South Florida paddleboarder who went missing in Key Biscayne earlier this week.

Officials said late Thursday that the search for Luciano Mercenari had been suspended “pending new information.” They did not provide further details.

“Ceasing an active search and rescue operation is never an easy decision. It is with a heavy heart that we extend our sincere condolences to Mr. Mercenari’s family and friends,” said Coast Guard Captain Cederholm.

Mercenari, 29, was last seen around 5:15 p.m. Monday near Cape Florida on the Pines Canal in Key Biscayne, Coast Guard officials said.

His paddleboard and dry bag were found days later between eight and eleven miles off the coast between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, according to the Coast Guard.