ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH, Fla. — The search for a missing kayaker last seen near the St. Augustine Inlet Saturday morning has been suspended by the U.S. Coast Guard Sunday night.
The Coast Guard suspended the search at sunset Sunday after the missing kayaker, identified as Eiffel Gilyana, 46, was not found.
Gilyana went missing near the ocean side of the North Jetties on Saturday, the Coast Guard said.
He was reported missing by a group of kayakers at approximately 10:39 a.m. Saturday, who told the Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville that Gilyana was last seen wearing black pants and no shirt or lifejacket.
The Coast Guard, along with the City of St. Augustine, St. Johns County, Florida Fish and Wildlife and Customs and Border Protection, searched roughly 341 square miles for Gilyana.
Weather conditions during the search were 4 to 6-foot seas with 10-knot winds, along with a rip current advisory in effect.
"This was an intensive search with the hope of finding Mr. Gilyana.," said Cmdr. Nick Barrow, search and rescue coordinator for the Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends affected by this tragic event."
The Jewish Community Alliance said Gilyana is a fitness and wellness Director at the Jewish Community Alliance.
Anyone with information can call the Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville at (904)-714-7561.
