Arcata Musician Missing After Being Swept Into Rough Surf in Puerto Rico

An Arcata resident and musician, Lyza Marie Padilla Coreano, 34, is missing after being swept into the ocean near Cueva del Indio in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, on Monday evening. Padilla, originally from Bayamón, Puerto Rico, was a vibrant member of Humboldt County's Latin music scene, known for her involvement with bands like Makena Cumbia and Tropiqueño.

Key Takeaways

• An Arcata resident, Lyza Marie Padilla Coreano, is missing after a powerful wave swept her into the ocean in Puerto Rico.
• The incident occurred near Cueva del Indio in Arecibo, where Padilla was taking photos.
• Two male tourists from St. Louis, Missouri, were also caught in the wave; one survived, and the other's body was recovered.
• The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its active search for Padilla pending new information.

The Incident

Padilla was reportedly taking photos near the Cueva del Indio, a popular natural landmark known for its rough surf, when a large wave struck. The powerful wave swept her and two male tourists from St. Louis, Missouri, into the ocean. The incident was reported to emergency services around 5:20 p.m. on Monday.

Rescue Efforts and Outcomes

One of the tourists, identified as 38-year-old Gabriel Woods, managed to cling to rocks and survived the ordeal. Tragically, the body of the second tourist, 31-year-old Tony Weiss, was recovered on Tuesday and taken for official identification. The U.S. Coast Guard, along with several partner agencies, launched an extensive search operation covering approximately 850 square miles. Despite these efforts, Lyza Marie Padilla Coreano remains missing. The Coast Guard made the difficult decision to suspend the active search on Tuesday evening, extending their condolences to the families involved.

Sea Conditions and Community Appeal

At the time of the incident, sea conditions were hazardous, with waves reported at around 12 feet and winds between 15 and 25 miles per hour. Padilla is also the niece of well-known Puerto Rican music producer Ernesto Fidel Padilla, who goes by "Nesty La Mente Maestra." He has made public appeals on social media, urging anyone in the Arecibo area with boats, drones, or cameras to assist in the search and to spread the word, emphasizing that every minute and every person counts.

As of late Wednesday, the search for Padilla continues with hopes for her safe return.

Sources

• Arcata Resident Among Three Swept Into Rough Surf in Puerto Rico, Redheaded Blackbelt.