After an extensive search spanning nearly 190 hours and covering over 19,000 square nautical miles, the U.S. Coast Guard has announced the suspension of its efforts to locate missing Seaman Bryan K. Lee. The 23-year-old from Rancho Cordova, California, was reported missing on Tuesday morning from the Coast Guard Cutter Waesche (WMSL 751) while the vessel was engaged in a counter-drug patrol approximately 300 nautical miles south of Mexico. The search involved the Waesche, along with other Coast Guard assets and interagency partners, including a helicopter and unmanned aircraft systems. The difficult decision to suspend the search was made after considering all available information and the vast area covered. Commander David Stern, search and rescue mission coordinator, expressed condolences to Lee's family and friends, acknowledging the challenging nature of the case. The Coast Guard remains hopeful for new information that could lead to the resumption of the search. The Waesche, a Legend-class national security cutter commissioned in 2010, is based in Alameda, California. These cutters are designed for global operations and can accommodate a crew of up to 170. The Coast Guard did not disclose specific search locations due to operational security concerns.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche (WMSL-751) and U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Forrest Rednour (WPC-1129) conduct a towing evolution. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by ET2 Thomas Gaeckle)
Captain Tyson Scofield, Commanding Officer of USCGC Waesche, pays tribute to Petty Officer 3rd Class Travis 'Obie' Obendorf. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by LTJG Julia VanLuven)
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche (WMSL-751) and U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Forrest Rednour (WPC-1129) conduct a towing and Astern Fueling At Sea evolution. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by LTJG Julia VanLuven)
Crew members assigned to U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche (WMSL 751) salute their fallen shipmate, Petty Officer 3rd Class Travis 'Obie' Obendorf. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by LTJG Julia VanLuven)
