KEY BISCAYNE, FLA. (WSVN) - U.S. Coast Guard air and surface crews, as well as other police departments, are intensively searching for 29-year-old Luciano Mercenari, a paddleboarder last seen near Key Biscayne on Monday evening.
Mercenari was reported missing after he did not return from a paddleboarding trip that began at Cape Florida. He was last seen at 5:15 p.m. entering Pines Canal on an aqua and orange paddleboard. He was wearing a light grey, long-sleeved rash guard, nearly white, and gray sports shorts.
7Skyforce captured Miami-Dade Police air units’ search and rescue efforts near Pines Canal on Tuesday morning as authorities continued their search for this missing man. Officials also searched on Monday night.
“We sent out a small boat from Station Miami and another MH 65 Dolphin helicopter to continue daytime searches around 8 a.m. this morning,” said U.S Coast Guard Petty Officer Diana Sherbs.
The Coast Guard Sector Miami is taking over the search efforts and has issued an urgent appeal to the public for any information regarding Mercenari’s whereabouts.
“The south of Sandscut and that extends over time. We’re looking through Key Biscayne, Biscayne Bay, and up through North Miami, both oceanside and Bayside,” said Sherbs.
Authorities were also seen in front of the family home, including a Broward County K9 that is helping in the search efforts.
“We’re hopeful for a positive outcome. We’ll continue to search until we’ve exhausted all resources and leads,” said Sherbs.
As of 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Coast Guard remained searching for Mercenari.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Coast Guard at 305-535-4300 immediately.
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