U.S. Coast Guard suspends search for missing teen at Port Mansfield

PORT mansfield, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended search operations for a teenager who went missing Monday morning while swimming at Port Mansfield.

Angel Huertas, 19, went missing at approximately 10:30 a.m. Monday, prompting a multi-agency search.

Local, state and federal departments searched for Huertas on helicopters and boats including the South Padre Island Air Station, the South Padre Island Coast Guard Station, Texas Parks and Wildlife and Port Mansfield Police Department.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the search was discontinued after 24 hours due to a low likelihood of survival.

“We search until we can’t anymore,” the U.S. Coast Guard Public Affairs said.

High currents and drifts also play a factor into the low survival rate, the U.S. Coast Guard adds.

Officials believe a riptide pulled Huertas and his friend after a big wave hit them.

“His friend saw [Huertas] go underwater and never saw him resurface,” U.S. Coast Guard Public Affairs said. “[Huertas] wasn’t able to swim either.”

Texas Parks and Wildlife has temporarily stopped its search weather pending.

“It’s tough. I mean with those conditions and being right there at the Gulf of Mexico. With the currents and the high winds, who knows where he [Huertas] can be,” said Captain Chuck Ford with TPW.

Huertas’ friend is reported to be safe.

Port Mansfield is located in Willacy County, approximately 69 miles north of South Padre Island.

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