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Coast Guard crews search for missing paddleboarder in Florida

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. — The U.S. Coast Guard is searching for a missing paddleboarder in South Florida.

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Officials said Luciano Mercenari, 29, was last seen around 5:15 p.m. on Monday.

He left his family’s backyard in Key Biscayne and went into the Pines Canal to spearfish.

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They say it’s his usual routine, but he did not come home.

Officials confirmed on Wednesday that his gear was found offshore.

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His family is hoping the Coast Guard will find him.

“We’re looking in through the Stiltsville area, Key Biscayne Biscayne Bay and up to north Miami, both oceanside and bayside,” a Coast Guard spokesperson said. “We’re hopeful for a positive outcome and we’ll continue to search until we’ve exhausted all resources and leads.”

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Anyone with information on the man’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Coast Guard.

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