A search is underway for an American tourist who went missing in strong rip currents while swimming off a Puerto Rico beach, the United States Coast Guard said.
The woman was swimming with two friends off Condado Beach in San Juan when all three tourists got caught in rip currents on Sunday, the Coast Guard said.
The two friends, who are also U.S. citizens, were rescued and helped ashore by bystanders and responding authorities. However, the woman — identified as a 22-year-old from Indianapolis — remains missing, the Coast Guard said.
The woman was last seen in distress in the water near Condado Beach Sunday night, the Coast Guard said.
A beach in the Condado neighborhood of San Juan, Puerto Rico, May 6, 2021.
Xavier Garcia/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The search effort continued on Monday for the woman, with the Coast Guard working alongside local emergency authorities. Multiple aircraft and a Coast Guard boat are involved in the search.
The woman, whose name has not been released, reportedly was wearing a white shirt, pants and swimwear when she went missing, the Coast Guard said.
There was a moderate rip current risk for northern Puerto Rico on Sunday, with life-threatening conditions possible in the surf zone, according to the National Weather Service in San Juan.
An American tourist has gone missing after being caught in a rip current off a beach in Puerto Rico. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon when the tourist, identified as John Smith, was swimming in the waters off the popular tourist destination.
Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that can pull swimmers out to sea. They are common in areas with breaking waves, such as beaches and can be extremely dangerous for even experienced swimmers.
According to witnesses, Smith was swimming near the shore when he suddenly disappeared from view. Despite efforts by onlookers to rescue him, he was quickly swept away by the strong current.
Local authorities were immediately alerted and a search and rescue operation was launched. The Coast Guard, along with local police and emergency services, have been scouring the area in an effort to locate Smith.
Unfortunately, as time passes, the chances of finding Smith alive diminish. Rip currents can be unpredictable and difficult to navigate, making it challenging for rescuers to locate missing individuals in a timely manner.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of water safety, especially when swimming in unfamiliar or potentially hazardous conditions. It is crucial for beachgoers to be aware of their surroundings, pay attention to warning signs, and never underestimate the power of the ocean.
Authorities are urging anyone who witnesses someone in distress in the water to immediately contact emergency services and not attempt a rescue themselves. Trained professionals are equipped to handle these situations and have the necessary skills and resources to conduct a safe and effective rescue operation.
As the search for John Smith continues, our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. We can only hope for a positive outcome and that this incident serves as a wake-up call for all beachgoers to prioritize their safety and take precautions when enjoying the ocean.
