Authorities have intensified their search for a paddleboarder who went missing near the shores of Key Biscayne. Identified as Luciano, the 29-year-old was last seen Monday evening around 5:15 p.m., navigating the waters near Cape Florida on Pines Canal. Broadcasted live, Chopper 6 footage displayed Miami-Dade Police and U.S. Coast Guard helicopters combing the area for any signs of the missing individual on Tuesday morning, a sobering reminder that the sea, as rewarding as it can be, never ceases to quickly claim to its depths.
Details provided by NBC Miami paint a clearer picture of the paddleboarder. Luciano was reported to be on an aqua and orange paddleboard, dressed aptly for the sea in a light gray long sleeve "reef cheefs" rash guard and gray sports shorts. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing around 200 pounds, he is distinguishable by his dark brown hair and beard. The U.S. Coast Guard went to quickly issue a statement on Twitter, urging the public to proactively keep an eye out, and report any information that might aid in the ongoing search.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard Southeast’s post on X, air and surface crews have been deployed as they search for the overdue paddler. The tweet further specifies the individual's last known attire, describing it as a white shirt and gray shorts although prior reports described a light gray long sleeve. This small discrepancy, though minimal, reflects the chaos and haste embedded in rescue operations of this scale. Any individuals with relevant information regarding the missing paddleboarder are instructed to reach out to Sector Miami at 305-535-4300.
#BREAKING @USCG air and surface crews are searching for an overdue paddleboarder last reported wearing a white shirt and gray shorts near Key Biscayne, Tues.
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) June 25, 2024
Anyone with info regarding the missing mariner please call Sector #Miami @ 305-535-4300#SAR pic.twitter.com/aiIHw0F7MG
