Coast Guard suspends search for missing paddleboarder near Key Biscayne – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports

MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) – The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended the search for a paddleboarder days after he disappeared near Key Biscayne pending new information, officials said.

Coast Guard officials said 29-year-old Luciano Mercenari was reported missing around 9 p.m. on Monday after he failed to return home by sunset as expected.

Tuesday morning, a Good Samaritan found Mercenari’s paddleboard and a waterproof duffel bag about four miles off Haulover Inlet.

“Ceasing an active search and rescue operation is never an easy decision and it is with heavy hearts that we extend our sincere condolences to Mr. Mercenari’s family and friends,” said USCG Captain Chris Cederholm, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Sector Miami.

Officials said rescue crews have searched an area of ​​about 2,219 square miles, an area roughly the size of Delaware.

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