HAGATNA, Guam — A 24-year-old man is believed dead after he jumped into the ocean off Guam and was last seen being swept out to sea, officials said.
Kevin Tuttle jumped into the ocean Sunday near the Marbo Cave area, Guam Fire Department officials told the Pacific Daily News.
Based on information provided by responders, Tuttle is believed dead and the effort has turned from search-and-rescue to body recovery, said Lt. William White, a Coast Guard spokesman.
“There are locations to jump into pools of water,” White said. “Unfortunately for this event, when he jumped in, he got swept out.”
Tuttle’s father attempted to call for help, but didn’t have a cell signal. He asked three hikers to go farther up the road, where there is better coverage, to call authorities.
The Guam Fire Department scanned the land near the shore, while the Coast Guard searched the ocean and nearby caves Sunday. A Navy helicopter also searched the water before rough seas led officials to call off the search Sunday night.
The same water conditions, including a high-surf advisory, are forecast for much of the week.