Coast Guard Suspends Search for Missing Crew Member Bryan K. Lee in Eastern Pacific

The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for Seaman Bryan K. Lee, 23, who went missing from the cutter Waesche while conducting a counter-drug patrol in the Eastern Pacific, approximately 300 nautical miles south of Mexico. Lee was reported unaccounted for on February 4, prompting an extensive search covering over 19,000 square nautical miles over nearly 190 hours, involving multiple aircraft and support from the Mexican Navy. Cmdr. David Stern expressed condolences to Lee's family, noting that the decision to halt the search was difficult and based on all available information. The Coast Guard's search efforts included helicopters, C-130 aircraft, drones, and collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The search has been suspended pending any new information regarding Lee's whereabouts. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance have not been disclosed.