A staff sergeant in the Puerto Rico Army National Guard died while trying to save a swimmer caught in the currents off Condado Beach in San Juan.
Staff Sgt. Fidel Cruz-Llanos’ body was found almost three miles from the spot where he left his family to swim out to help a swimmer struggling in rough ocean conditions. The man that Cruz-Lanos was attempting to help also drowned.
Cruz-Llanos, 34, was enjoying a day at the beach with his two children when he saw that Charles Victor Daniel Poor, 20, from Moline, Illinois, was in distress about 100 yards from shore, defense and Coast Guard officials said.
His children said that he took off his shirt and a necklace, crossed himself, and dove into the water to try to rescue Poor, according to local media.
A 911 caller first alerted authorities that Poor was in danger around 6:28 p.m., said Coast Guard spokesman Ricardo Castrodad. It was getting dark at the time, complicating search efforts.
Sea states around Puerto Rico have been rough recently, with waves reported to be up to 10-feet high, Castrodad told Task & Purpose.
Cruz-Llanos was last seen about 80 yards from shore, when he went underwater and didn’t resurface, according to the Coast Guard. His body was later recovered about three nautical miles north of the La Concha hotel in Condado.
The Coast Guard recovered Poor’s body on Sunday, Castrodad said.
Cruz-Llanos was assigned to the 295th Quartermaster Field Feeding Platoon, 191st Regional Support Group of the Puerto Rico Army National Guard.
His platoon commander, 2nd Lt. Zamia López, described him as “a valued and respected member of our team.”
“His dedication and bravery inspire all of us who had the honor of serving alongside him,” Lopez said. “We are here to offer our unconditional support to his family. May they find comfort in the shared memories and in the legacy of bravery he leaves behind. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
