Coast Guard suspends search for Samuel Wanjiru, Marine from Worcester missing off Puerto Rico

The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for the U.S. Marine from Worcester who was reported missing while swimming off Puerto Rico last week.

Samuel Wanjiru, 26, was the subject of an extensive search in the La Pared beach area in Luquillo, Puerto Rico, starting March 27, after he apparently got caught in rough waters. Coast Guard crews searched in the water and from the air in the days that followed.

Wanjiru, a Worcester resident who was vacationing at the beach, is a Reserve Marine corporal assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 472, Marine Aircraft Group 49, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, in Chicopee.

He serves as a motor vehicle operator.

The search was put on hold Sunday.

“We keep Cpl. Samuel Wanjiru and his family in our prayers, hoping they find strength and closure during this most difficult time,” said Coast Guard Capt. Jose E. Diaz, San Juan commander. Swimmers have been warned of dangerous water conditions for weeks.

Six people drowned off Puerto Rico in March, according to the Coast Guard, and 12 people were rescued.

"I commend the efforts of all responders, who have done their utmost to find Cpl. Wanjiru and who have also responded to numerous cases this month resulting in dozens of lives saved, while also conducting efforts to prevent any further loss of life in our beaches," Diaz said.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Coast Guard suspends search for missing swimmer Samuel Wanjiru of Worcester