UPDATE: Search for Weymouth man off Cayman Islands now recovery mission

Weymouth man goes missing while snorkeling in the Cayman Islands

By Beth Germano, WBZ-TV From CBS Boston

BOSTON (CBS) – A well-known comic artist from Weymouth is now missing in the Cayman Islands while snorkeling with his wife. Norman Lee, 52, who works for both Marvel and DC Comics, was on vacation and swimming about 250 yards off shore on Thursday when the couple became separated.

Family members say his wife thought he had returned to shore when she could no longer see him. Rick Connolly with Royal Cayman Islands Police says the current is particularly strong in the area. “There is a current out there which is taking us quite a way out to sea,” said Connolly.

Local reporter Joe Avery with Grand Cayman 27 says he was last seen at the channel markers that separate the outer waters from the inner waters. “The inner waters are quite calm because the reef adds protection,” said Avery. “It isn’t uncommon for snorkelers to encounter trouble in the water.”
With an extensive diving community, Connolly says volunteer divers have been helping the effort and they have covered a large area. They continue to call it a rescue operation but the concern grows with the hours.

“It’s so important for the family to have hope for closure in a situation like this,” said Connolly.

For more on this story and video go to: http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/03/06/weymouth-man-goes-missing-while-snorkeling-in-the-cayman-islands/

Snorkeler missing in Cayman Islands: Request for Volunteer Divers

From RCIPS

Thu, Mar 5, 2015 at 7:09 PM

The Marine Unit will be resuming searches for the missing snorkler in east End tomorrow morning (Friday 6/3/15). Insp. Yearwood, the officer in charge of the search is asking for any volunteer divers to report to the Dive Shop at Morritt’s Tortuga at 9am. Persons are asked to bring their own dive and snorkel equipment if possible. Dive tanks will be supplied.

Insp. Yearwood can be contacted at 5263159

Thu, Mar 5, 2015 at 4:47 PM

At 11:21am Thursday 5 March 2015, uniform officers in the Eastern Districts received a report of a missing snorkeler off East End.

A 47 year old male visitor from Massachusetts, USA while snorkeling with his wife off Reef Resort East End became separated approximately 250 yards off shore. The spouse of the missing man returned to shore but her husband was not seen. A report was made for assistance and a search commenced.

RCIPS Joint Marine Unit with 2 vessels responded to the report along 3 vessels from the Department of Environment, Marine Enforcement Unit, Cayman Helicopter, divers and other water sport operators in the area, are assisting with Wave Runners.

The male snorkeler was last seen wearing a white beach shorts, clear goggles and black and blue fins.

He was not wearing a shirt.