- The active search for Kenyan Marine Reserve Cpl. Samuel Wanjiru, who vanished while swimming off a beach in Puerto Rico on March 27, has been concluded by the Coast Guard
- In response to Wanjiru’s disappearance, local authorities have initiated a “passive search,” monitoring Puerto Rico’s beaches for any signs of Wanjiru’s body potentially washing ashore.
- Wanjiru was last seen off La Pared beach near Luquillo, a renowned surfing destination situated in the northeastern corner of the island
The search for Marine Reserve Cpl. Samuel Wanjiru, who vanished while swimming off a beach in Puerto Rico, has come to a heartbreaking halt.
This is after the Coast Guard concluded its active efforts, leaving a community in mourning and a family desperate for closure.
Wanjiru, a dedicated serviceman, disappeared on March 27 while enjoying the waters off La Pared beach near Luquillo, a popular spot for surfers on the island’s northeastern coast.
Follow our Facebook page for more updates:
The tragic incident occurred barely two weeks after the drowning of Puerto Rico Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Fidel Cruz-Llanos, who lost his life attempting a rescue mission in treacherous currents off Condado Beach in San Juan.
Coast Guard Sector San Juan spokesperson, Ricardo Castrodad, confirmed that despite exhaustive search operations spanning five days involving MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters, HC-144 Ocean Sentry fixed-wing aircraft, and Coast Guardsmen from Sector San Juan, Wanjiru remains unaccounted for.
The active search concluded without success, compelling authorities to transition to a “passive search,” monitoring Puerto Rico’s coastlines for any sign of his remains.
Follow our Facebook page for more updates:
Expressing solidarity with Wanjiru’s family, Coast Guard Capt. Jose E. Diaz, commander of Sector San Juan, remarked, “The loss of life in Puerto Rico beaches during March has been quite surreal, including the loss of two service members.”
Must Read:
1: Wycliffe Okumu: Kenyan-American Doctor Found Safe After Going Missing in Mali
2: Artisanal Miners To Strike Gold As Government Moves To Allow Mining Inside National Parks
As the Coast Guard bows out of the active search, coastal municipalities will spearhead the ongoing effort to locate Wanjiru, intensifying vigilance along Puerto Rico’s beaches.
The mission will be under the supervision of Nino Correa Filomeno, commissioner of Puerto Rico’s Bureau for Emergency Management and Disaster Administration.
Follow our Facebook page for more updates:
While efforts to reach Wanjiru’s family proved unsuccessful, details about the missing Marine shed light on his dedicated service.
Wanjiru enlisted in the Marine Corps in March 2020, serving as a Motor Vehicle Operator with Marine Wing Support Squadron 472, Marine Aircraft Group 49, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, based in Chicopee, Massachusetts.
Hailing from Worcester, Massachusetts, Wanjiru was visiting Puerto Rico with friends when tragedy struck, according to a statement from the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing.
Importantly, he was off-duty and not involved in military operations at the time of his disappearance.
Maj. Gen. John F. Kelliher III, commanding general of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, expressed gratitude to the Coast Guard and local authorities for their unwavering dedication in the search for Wanjiru.
“We thank you for your tireless efforts, teamwork, and empathy towards our Marine and his family,” Kelliher stated.
The Marine Corps community rallied around Wanjiru’s loved ones, offering support and prayers during this challenging time.
Follow our Facebook page for more updates:
Kelliher emphasized the need for continued support, urging unity in standing by Wanjiru’s family as Puerto Rico’s Emergency Management Bureau shifts focus to passive search operations.
