ICYMI: U.S. Coast Guard Search for Missing Connecticut Swimmer Ends in Tragedy
A missing Connecticut swimmer’s body is found by U.S. Coast Guard after a days-long search by local and federal agencies. 🌐 #News #HartfordCT #Connecticut #MissingPerson
HARTFORD, CT – A search that gripped family and friends came to a heartbreaking conclusion on Friday after the body of a missing swimmer was recovered. Brandon Smith, a U.S. citizen from Connecticut in his sixties, had been reported missing after getting caught in worsening weather conditions. Authorities, using advanced search tactics, located his body about one nautical mile from shore. Smith had been living in Culebra, Puerto Rico, at the time of the incident.
Coordinated Search Effort
The search began on Wednesday evening when Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector San Juan were notified that a swimmer had encountered trouble in rough seas. A Good Samaritan had attempted to assist the swimmer by providing a surfboard but had to return to shore due to deteriorating sea conditions.
Over the next two days, multiple agencies worked tirelessly to locate Smith. A drone team was the first to spot his body offshore, prompting a response from the Puerto Rico Police Joint Force of Rapid Action marine unit. The team recovered Smith’s unresponsive body and transported it to the Puerto Rico Institute of Forensic Sciences, where his identity was confirmed.
Agencies Involved in the Search
Several organizations participated in the search, demonstrating a seamless response from local and federal units. These included:
- U.S. Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Borinquen
- U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Isaac Mayo
- U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary aircraft
- Civil Air Patrol aircraft – U.S. Air Force Auxiliary
- Puerto Rico Emergency Management Bureau
- Culebra Municipal Office of Emergency Management and Police
- Puerto Rico Joint Forces of Rapid Action
- Puerto Rico Emergency Medical Services
Each agency played a crucial role in the effort to locate the swimmer, though the outcome was deeply tragic.
A Tragic Loss, Honoring the Victim and Those Affected
The loss of Brandon Smith has deeply affected both his loved ones and the emergency responders who dedicated their time and resources to the search. Lt. Cmdr. Ray Lopez, Coast Guard Search and Rescue mission coordinator, expressed his gratitude for the cooperation between the teams but also acknowledged the sadness of the outcome.
“Our most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends for Brandon Smith, we hope they find strength and closure during this most difficult time,” Lopez said.
“Although the outcome of this case was most unfortunate, we truly appreciate all interagency response units and personnel who worked together seamlessly and did their utmost in this case to find Smith.”
In times of tragedy, many turn to their faith for comfort. As the Bible reminds us in Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Our thoughts remain with Smith’s family and friends as they navigate this difficult period.
RELATED TOPICS: Connecticut | Missing Persons | Puerto Rico
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This was a well written discripition of a tragic incident; however, it was visually impacted by a commercial carton of a cat pissing ………. a very bad companion ad for such a serious story.
Hey Tommy! Thanks so much for the feedback, appreciated! 🙂 Hope you have a great holiday season and wonderful new year! – Cheers, Jack and Kitty