At 2:41 pm Saturday afternoon, Guam Fire Department and U.S. Coast Guard units responded to a reported distressed swimmer off the cliffline behind Marbo Cave in Mangilao.
According to the reporting party, the 18-year-old male was part of a group of five hikers that went to a popular spot in the area to jump into the ocean from the cliff line, which is approximately 25 feet high.
After landing in the water, the victim was pulled out by the current and unable to return. A bystander attempted to retrieve the individual but was unsuccessful because of the rough seas.
According to GFD spokesman Kevin Reilly, witnesses were able to direct rescuers to the “last seen” location where GFD divers and surface swimmers conducted underwater searches.
The USCG also launched its 45′ SAFE boat and performed search patterns based on drift data from the USCG Command Center.
HSC-25 was also requested to help and they conducted their aerial search while GFD engine company personnel conducted a cliffline search for the victim.
The USCGC Kiska and the Guam Police Department’s Marine Patrol Division were activated to augment units as the search for the missing swimmer continued into the night.
According to Reilly, more information will be provided as it becomes available.
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