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Man reported missing off the Long Beach coast; crews recover and inspect his personal watercraft

by in News

Search crews sought a man who went missing in waters off the coast of Long Beach on Sunday, Feb. 10.

A friend notified authorities when 20-year-old Jean Carlos Cheryl failed to meet with him at Catalina Island on Sunday, according to a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard. It said the missing man was last seen near Long Beach riding a red and white Yamaha personal watercraft at about 9:50 a.m.

The Coast Guard learned of the disappearance at about 10:40 a.m., then dispatched two vessels and a helicopter to search for Cheryl. The watercraft he had been riding was found about 5 nautical miles away from the Long Beach Lighthouse at 1:45 p.m., according to Coast Guard Petty Officer Mark Barney. He said investigators from the Long Beach Fire Department were examining the craft.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and lifeguards from Long Beach, Los Angeles County and Seal Beach were assisting in the search. Officials did not immediately state the man’s city of residence.